Ever since my hubby and I started running in a few 5K's my son has grown more interested in running. When we'd go to the Y for sister's swim lessons he'd want to run around the track with me and he'd get very excited at school when he got timed to run in PE. He turned 8 years old in August and it worked out that on his birthday a new 5K was taking place in Des Moines. This was not just any 5K it was the Color Fun Fest and I thought it would be a perfect first 5K run for my boy to do. When I signed up there was originally going to be two waves of start times, so I figured we had better do the early run. Well the first wave got canceled which meant not only was Mr. T going to have to run his first 5K, but he was also going to have to do it at 8:00 at night. On top of that we'd had a crazy day filled with a town celebration, celebrating his birthday with relatives, a trip to the emergency room and a friend's party. I was worried and really not sure how he would do.
My hubby dropped us off at the start at Principal Park and we followed the music and noise. There was a huge party going on when we got there. There was a lot of people and a lot of color in the air already. We were anxious to get started so we found the start and found the front. When it was time to run he was off. He was so excited to get to the first color spot.
It was the first time I've ran in downtown Des Moines at night I have to say it was pretty cool. There was a lot going on that night. It was fun to run by Simon Estes Amphitheater and hear the concert that was going on. We ran across the pedestrian bridge underneath the lights. My son quite enjoyed the motorbike that helped lead the way and wanted to "race" him. I was quite impressed with the other runners in the crowd. So many people gave my boy props for doing the run and really made him feel good about himself.
There were some downsides to the run. Since we were running at night there were times that we couldn't see all that well. I kept telling T. to watch his step because I was worried he would fall. Also when running by the river there was a muddy incline with no alternate path. Our shoes got really muddy and it was definitely a hazard. Also although the run was advertised as a 5K the course was not really a 5K. I hope that future runs are mapped out better.
Regardless this kid had a great time. He loved the colored paint, the crazy crowd and doing something totally different for his birthday. It is a night he will remember for many birthdays to come.
To learn more about Color Fun Fest and find out when it is coming to a city near you be sure to visit their site. You can also connect with Color Fun Fest on Twitter and Instagram.
Disclosure: I received passes to this event for media coverage. All opinions are 100% mine.
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