Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Color Run is returning to Saudi Arabia. The countdown to The Happiest 5k on the Planet is on, with The Color Run bursting onto the streets of Riyadh on Oct. 26.

Organized in line with the General Entertainment Authority’s efforts to attract top entertainment offerings to Saudi Arabia, The Color Run — now the largest running series in the world, will be making its vibrant return to the Kingdom's two biggest cities, with over 15,000 expected to participate in each city. The Riyadh event follows the Kingdom’s extremely popular inaugural Color Run which took place in Khobar in March and saw over 10,000 people run and walk their way along the 5k course.

To date, The Color Run has been hosted in more than 40 countries with over seven million runners worldwide participating in the event. The event is un-timed and sees thousands of participants covered from head to toe in an array of different colors throughout the 5k course before collecting their medals at the finish line. The only rule is that those taking part must cross the finish line covered in color and have a fun time while doing it!

The non-competitive run is not only an opportunity to create picture-perfect memories (and Instagram posts!), but serves as a celebration of health, happiness and individuality. The GEA — a core pillar under the Saudi government, is supporting the event as part of it continued efforts to enrich the lifestyle of residents as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals and in line with the nation’s Quality of Life Program 2020.

The first of the upcoming events will be hosted as part of Riyadh Season — considered to be the biggest entertainment event in the capital city, with activities catering to sports, music, theatre, fashion and much more.

Ahmed Al-Mehmadi, executive director of communication at GEA said, "We are thrilled to be bringing The Color Run presented to Sunsilk to Riyadh. We witnessed an incredible turnout in Khobar and we have every confidence this event will attract even more people who want to engage in a healthy activity that combines fun and exercise. Its vibrancy matches the aims of the GEA and The Quality of Life Program 2020 objective to support and create new options that boost participation across cultural, entertainment and sports activities."

Kristen Biegler, spokesperson for The Color Run said, “Since its inception in 2012, The Color Run has had become a global phenomenon, and we are very excited to be returning to Saudi Arabia. The response in Khobar was truly amazing and we are extremely excited to bring The Happiest 5k on the Planet to Riyadh. Our number one rule is that everyone has fun — it is up to you whether you run, jog, walk or even skip your way to the finish line."