Runners painted the town in colors today for 'the happiest 5K'

YOUNGSTOWN

Even though the Saturday morning sky over Youngstown was gray and overcast, there were rainbows all over the downtown district.

They were on headbands, socks and even tutus, sported by the more than 5,000 people who took part in the second annual Color Run, which began and ended at the Covelli Centre on East Front Street. Eventually, all the colors of the rainbow ended up covering the participants from head to toe.

The threatening skies and intermittent rain showers did nothing to dissuade those who’d come downtown to take part in the colorful event, which benefitted Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.

“It really is the happiest 5K,” said 27-year-old Danielle Clemente of Hubbard, who showed up to participate with four of her family members. “The Happiest 5K” is how the Color Run bills itself, and this year’s event was called the Shine Tour 2015.

It’s called the Color Run because runners, who are encouraged to wear white, are showered with packets of colored powder and with liquid, paint-like colors, both before and during the run. Of course, it’s all in fun, and the smiles on the faces of the runners showed it.

Since it’s not actually a race, there were no official times kept and there were no actual winners. The emphasis is on healthiness, happiness and individuality.

Read more about the fun and festivities in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.