It’s been described as “The Happiest 5k in the World,” and it’s coming to Atlantic in October. Atlantic High School Seniors Erin Shannon and Steph Freund are part of the AHS Student Council, who is sponsoring the “Color Run” in Atlantic, on October 11th.

Color Run course (Click on image to enlarge)

The event begins at 8-a.m. Shannon says most of the runs typically take place in larger cities, but the Student Council wanted to bring it closer to home so area residents can experience the fun.

The Bakersfield, CA. Color Run in Dec. 2013 (Photo’s courtesy Patricia Borjon)

She says since it’s a 5k event, there will be four different stations who will throw colored powder at you as you partake in the event. Participants usually wear white so the colors are more vivid. She says it’s not a “Super competitive run…it’s just something fun you can go out and do.” And, you don’t even have to run. Walkers and joggers are welcome enjoy the event.

Steph Freund said she participated in a Color Run at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City a couple of years ago. 40-thousand people participated in that event, which was the biggest run they ever had at the time. She said it brings people together and can draw people from outside of Atlantic who may never have had the chance to enjoy it.

She said if it works out, the Student Council hopes to make it an annual event. Erin Shannon said other than for people to have fun, their goal is to raise money for the Student Council. She said they wanted to boost the “School spirit,” while at the same time boosting community spirit and raising money for Prom.

As with any walk or run event, there is a registration fee. It’s $30, which includes your registration, a commemorative bag to carry your personal items in, a t-shirt and a color packet to use at the end of the event. The run begins and ends at the Atlantic High School. Afterward, there’ll be music, snacks and when everyone is finished with their run or walk, they’ll open their color packets and throw them into the air, making for a bright, powdery rainbow. The powder is safe and washes easily from your clothes. It’s merely dyed corn starch which comes right off when you wash. Some people even water themselves down beforehand, so the powder sticks better for the culmination of the event.

Registration takes place from Sept. 1st through the 14th . Fliers will be posted around Atlantic in the days to come with more information, or follow the Atlantic Student Council on Twitter at “Atlantic StuCo.”