The five-kilometre walk saw participants enjoy being ‘coloured’ with powder of various hues with the completion of each kilometre.
Even for someone whose idea of ‘exercise’ is getting off the couch and walking up to the fridge, the 5km colour walk was hard to resist.
The happiest and most colourful 5km in Dubai happened on Friday at Zabeel Park. Not to be confused with the Colour Run set to take place on December 14, this untimed walk saw participants enjoy being ‘coloured’ with powder of various hues with the completion of each kilometre. Organised by Safia Al Zarooni events, in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, the event saw participation of a few hundred residents of Dubai. “It’s just so much fun. It’s not competitive and it’s all about just finishing each kilometre and having colour thrown on you,” said British national and walk participant Johnathan M (34). “I can get my kids here as well, because it’s not about fitness or anything. It’s just aimed at people having a good time.”
That includes kids, teenagers, adults, and pretty much everyone in every age group belonging to any nationality. “This is just great,” he added.
Filipino national Mikeal J. said: “Because you know you are going to have colours thrown at you at the end of each kilometre, that itself was motivational for people to go forward.”
The race started at 3pm and what began as a sea of people clad in white T-shirts, saw them strewn with five colours. “Though these types of races are really popular in the West, it’s great that they have started a similar event here in Dubai,” said Samy Ahmed, another participant. “With rising problems of obesity, it’s good to organise such events that attract people to participate,” he added.
Maria Davies, another participant, said: “I came here with my kids and they love it. It could be a little better organised with more resources at the water stations and signages to the race, but for the first time, it is a good event.”
After the walk, a colour fest with activities for both kids and adults was organised as well.
