More than 1,000 runners of all ages and abilities joined in the festivities, inspired by the famous Holi Festival from India, which sees an explosion of vibrant colours, energy, music and movement throughout the day.
The annual event has become established as a firm favourite with families residing in Phuket and visiting tourists alike due to its unique standing in fusing sport and culture. As opposed to some of the more serious events geared towards professional athletes, the Color Fun Run promotes fitness for fun rather than competition, welcoming everyone from very young children to those that are young-at-heart, regardless of athletic prowess.
The event took place at the Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort in Thalang with participants opting for either a 1.5 kilometre or 5km course.
Vibrant colours
Thammawat Wongcharoenyos, Sports Authority of Thailand Committee Member and President of the Phuket Provincial Sports Association, oversaw the official opening ceremony ahead of the 4pm race start at the Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort.
Joining Mr Thammawat were: Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam; Deputy Mayor Chalam Atthatham; Phuket Provincial Sports Association secretary Warin Khaothong; Phuket Provincial Sports Association registar Songyot Hemhong; as well as selected guests and representatives from various public and private sector organisations.
The annual Thanyapura Color Fun Run is considered one of the most popular running events in Phuket, which attracts a large number of locals and tourists, explained Mr Thammawat in his opening remarks.
It is the perfect occasion for families and fun runners of all levels as the run is not competitive but has more of an emphasis on the merits of participation, fun and a celebration of culture via an array of vibrant colours, Mr Thammawat added.
However, that being said, the event does still also encourage people to be positively mindful of their health by engaging in exercise, he explained.
Fun experience
Each participant was equipped with a pair of sunglasses and a bag of colourful powder before setting off. Once the klaxons were sounded to signify the start of the race, participants were urged to throw handfulls of the colorful power into the air, covering themselves and fellow runners, as the collective crossed the start line.
Throughout the course volunteers at colour stations then showered the runners with multi-coloured powders, while runners returned the favour by throwing their own coloured powder back at volunteers, other runners and spectators.
It resulted in a hugely fun experience with most participants covered head-to-toe in the colours of the rainbow by the conclusion of the race. The coloured powder used is certifiably safe, washes off with water, and does no damage to the surrounding environment.
Once both races had concluded participants had the chance to enjoy a range of food and beverage refreshments, while live musical entertainment acts provided chance for anyone with any energy remaining to shake a leg. For those too tired to exert any further, there were numerous massage stations where exhaused participants could receive a relaxing, post-race rubdown.
There was also a children’s activity zone, which kept the younger attendees occupied, as well as the opportunity for face painting, in addition to several fun-themed obstacle courses which participants with any energy remaning could enjoy.
Each race participant was given a T-shirt and a commemorative medal of completion, while limited edition race kits were also available.