Maneesh Bakshi
Doha
THE much-awaited third edition of 'The Color Run', a fun race dubbed as the 'Happiest 5k on the planet', took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Doha on Saturday with a much bigger participation of residents this year than in its previous editions.
Enthusiasm ran high as people of all ages and families flocked together to take part in the colourful fun run and dance event. The participants were outlandishly dressed using funky props and accessories included in the race kit for every participant.
During 'The Color Run' participants were soaked in a myriad of colours at different stages of the race. It concluded with a non-stop foot-tapping dance party.
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) supported the Color Run as an event in line with its health campaign 'Sahtak Awalan' ('Your Health First'). Runners participated in a group warm-up exercise regimen before the start of the race.
This year's race was themed 'tropicolor', which revolved around the different shades of the tropics and found its reflection in the colours used or accessories worn by the runners.
"It's a great experience. I have been practicing regularly for the last few weeks to take part in the run and am really happy to finish it. I am happy to see everyone enjoying music and dance in a colourful atmosphere on a colourful day. I can't wait to participate again next year," said a housewife who participated in the fun run for the first time.
But, there were many who had participated in the Color Run before. Guillaume, who came with his wife and three children, said:"It was great fun and my kids loved it."
Owing to the large turnout of participants, the runners were divided into separate groups to avoid overcrowding at Colour Stations. The race was managed fairly well with the help of volunteers who worked hard to reunite children with their families after they got separated from them during the race.