The brightest fun run in the calender is heading back to Manchester this weekend as The Color Run hits town in all its technicolour glory.
The 'happiest 5k on the planet' takes place at the Etihad Campus on Saturday July 2 , and you can still enter (details below).
As well as the run, you also get the chance to cover yourself in bright 'colour powder' during one of the mass 'color throws', which take place every 15 minutes.
You get a packet of coloured powder as you cross the finish line - where a post-event party will also be waiting for you. The run is not a timed event - it's purely for fun, or to raise funds for your favourite charity.
Kids and even babies in buggies can be part of the run. But no dogs.
What time does it start?
Warm up: 10am – 11am
Run starts: 11am - you can join the queue until 12.30pm.
You don’t need to sign in or register but make sure you arrive 30 minutes before your start time to get prepped.
If you’ve bought a Fast Track ticket or a premium ticket make sure that you have your event bib number on the front of your t-shirt. Don’t enter the start chute if you have a Fast Track ticket as you’ll start separately to general ticket holders. Simply follow the signs at the warm up area when you want to start running. You can join the fast track queue at whichever time you prefer.
Can I still enter?
Yes you can.
A range of entry tickets and prices are available.
SOLO COLOR RUNNER (£26) . If you're running solo, doubling or tripling up with friends, this entry type is for you. Your ticket includes entry to the event; classic kit with special edition t-shirt, headband, face tattoos, face paint, running bib and pins, all delivered to your door.
TEAM COLOR RUNNER (£24) A team is 4+ friends running, laughing and dancing through the course together. Your ticket includes the same as a solo runner.
PREMIUM COLOR RUNNER (£45) If you want to run in style AND beat the queues, it doesn't matter whether you're running solo or with friends this is the entry type for you. Your ticket includes entry to the event; premium kit with special edition t-shirt, headband, face tattoos, bib, 1 tutu, 1 pair of socks, 1 pair of sunglasses,1 extra face paint tube and a tropical flower lei; fast track ticket, delivered to your door.
LITTLE COLOR RUNNER (£10) Children ages 5 and under enter the event for free but with our new 'Lil Color Runners Entry' they will receive their very own race pack for a minimal fee.
Your ticket includes inclusive entry to the event, exclusive race pack with special edition t-shirt, headband, face tattoos and children's running bib. The participants fifth year has to be apparent as of the last registered day (31st Dec) 2016.
If you’ve already bought your ticket (before June 27), your race pack will have been sent and should be delivered to the address you provided at registration over the coming days.
If you buy your ticket on or after June 27, an email will be sent out detailing where to pick your Race Pack up from on the event weekend. Please bring a valid photo ID and your confirmation email with you. Please make sure you arrive at the right time.
You must wear (mostly) white to be able to take part in the race.
The race is also a big deal on social media and runners are encouraged to tweet their pics to the hashtag #colourmehappy
How to get there
The Etihad is in East Manchester - not too far from the city centre but far enough that you probably won't want to walk it.
If you do though, there is a safe, well lit and signposted walking route available from Manchester Piccadilly Station. Signage will direct you along the route. Follow the ‘City Link’ signs. It takes around 25 minutes to walk to the Etihad Stadium from the city centre.
There is a dedicated tram stop, Etihad Campus, right next to the stadium. Metrolink runs from the city centre to Etihad Campus and on towards Ashton. The journey time from Piccadilly is less than 10 minutes.
Tickets must be bought before travel, and machines are located on every Metrolink platform with an off peak return from the city centre priced at £3 for adults, £1.40 for children. Check your journey details before travel at www.metrolink.co.uk or follow @MCRMetrolink on twitter. You can also download a Metrolink Ashton line guide here .
There are a number of buses available from all directions. Local buses to the stadium include: 53, 54, 185, 186, 216, 217, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, X36 and X37. Visit www.tfgm.com for more infiormation.
Parking on the day is available on a first come, first serve basis and costs £5. When you arrive on site, follow the signage to the East Car Park (Tariff Street).
