Run or Dye

This was one of the most disorganized events I’ve ever been to — I’ve heard that in previous years they did a better job, but as this was my first experience — I can only tell you I wouldn’t recommend it. There are seven other color runs available on Oahu — I can’t imagine they are all run this poorly.
The email confirmations we received, as well as our tickets, had the wrong start times on it. Our tickets and confirmations said the race started at 9:00 — so we got there just before 8:00, which was a good thing — because even though the race didn’t start until 10:00 — it took us until just before starting time to get our packets. Which did NOT include the promised color packs.
The MC told us to file our names with the information desk and they’d coordinate a partial refund — but when we went to the information desk, they said, «Don’t complain to us! We’re just volunteers! We’re not taking down names!» Ooookkkay.
The race literally wound through the parking lot of Aloha stadium, but it wasn’t clearly marked where you were supposed to run/​walk — there was so much confusion and nobody around to ask questions to. They didn’t have the number of color stations advertised, and the whole event just felt like nobody was in charge and knew what was going on.
Will definitely not be doing it again — at least not with Run or Dye. REALLY disappointed in this event.

I did run or dye 2013 and was very happy with it so I was excited for it again this year. However, many things changed and not for the better.
There was no early packet pick up so that left EVERYONE picking up their packet race day and the lines were horrendous. Eventually the staff started walking around just handing out race bibs! We were then told to hurry and get at shirt because most sizes were already gone. AND all color packets that were supposed to be provided at packet pick up were gone!!!
Our disappointment then continued as we ran the race. Well we tried to run but there were far too many walkers to even begone I try and run around them. Throughout the race there were only 4 color stations. 2 right in the beginning and then a good mile before the next color station! And the 4^th and final color station to follow ¼ mole right after!
The route was terrible as it wound literally up and down each lane in the parking lot and was not clearly marked by cones. There was a section where there seemed to be 100 random cones all spread out and you had no idea where to go!
Finally, there was no real finish line! You just kinda strolled in to where the DJ was and you found yourself turning to the people next to you asking if this was the finish?
Super disappointed. And won’t be doing it next year.

If you love to run or power walk, get dirty, throw some colored scented chalk on some people and bring your kids, this 5k is the place to be!
As a first timer, I brought my 5yr old and left the infant at home since the aloha stadium is hot and I did not want chalk on my baby or have the need to clean the stroller after.
The entire race was done around the stadium in the hot sun… some people cheated by cutting across to get to the dye stations quickly.
The race itself was great, I felt like a powdered doughnut afterwards, and I enjoyed the dye throw at the end.
The downfall, sign ins took forever!!! I suggest that they do the packet pick ups the day before so that everyone has their correct shirt size instead of sticking with an xL. Also, they did not have individual chalk packets as stated as part of our packages. Super bummed! They should have had paper cups filled with certain colors to pass out instead of selling the oops bull bags. I even saw some hopeful souls rolling on the ground due to the absence… smh. Lastly, when I got home, the green dye color and blue proved to be the hardest colors to extract from the body. I tried using the infamous Japanese scrubbing cloth twice… it just wouldn’t come off… so now I’m walking around ala moana looking like a cross between the sister of hulk and an Andy Warhol painting… but at least I had a good run experience!

Funnnnn!!! great times with my girlfriends! Not sure if I could call this RUN, it was walk or jog mostly. Great event!

Basics
–5k (3 miles) run, held at Aloha Stadium
–Dubbed «The World’s Most Colorful 5k Run»
–You get powdered dye thrown at you (you also get to throw dye yourself) before, during and after the run. The dye is supposedly non-​toxic and safe to eat-​although it’s not recommended.
Participants are highly encouraged to:
–Wear white to show off dye colors or come in costume (many females wore bright colored tutus, old wedding gowns, veils, bright colored knee-​high socks or leg warmers, etc.)
–Pick up packet before the day of the run (lines are REALLY long)
–Be safe and have fun!
My first Run or Dye experience was awesome. I picked up my packet the day before the run and the line was extremely long but the wait time wasn’t as long as expected. They had a quick and efficient way of checking us in and distributing our essentials. We had to bring a signed waiver and they were able to look us up on their iPads to verify payment and registration. We were then given our bibs (the number would be used to identify runners in photos), a t-​shirt, backpack and a packet of dye. They also had a store set up to purchase extra items like extra dye packs, shirts, bracelets, headbands, etc. During the wait, they played music and periodically gave away dye packs for free.
On the morning of the race, there was ample parking even though we didn’t arrive that early. The check-​in line for those who didn’t pick up their packets early was crazy long and pretty much stayed that way until even after the first wave of runners started. I liked the setup of the event-​they had multiple tents and many porta-​potties and sinks on the outside. They had the check-​in tents, first aid, store, water station, etc. Then of course they had the long starting line and a stage with a pretty good sound system for the after party.
At the start of the race (I’m not sure why they call it a race because you’re not officially timed and it’s a non-​competitive run. In fact, many walked and also brought their kids and strollers); they send runners in waves of 500 – 700. They would send a wave every 5 – 10 minutes to help spread everyone out. It was pretty cool how they set it up because there was a tower at the beginning of the start line where the host entertained everyone, music was being played and runners were already starting to throw dye at each other and in the air while waiting for the run to start. They had several dye zones throughout the race and for the most part, each dye zone had a designated dye color. So volunteers would continuously throw dye at runners passing through the dye zone. It got pretty crazy and entertaining because some runners rolled on the ground in the dye zone to immerse themselves in color.
The course didn’t even seem like 3 miles probably because we had so much fun. We were pre-​occupied with the dye and people watching (many runners wore creative outfits/​costumes) along the course. After the run, we attended the after party or «Dye Festival» at the stage where we danced and dyed the sky. Basically, when they told us to throw our dye in the air, we did it simultaneously and there were huge clouds of dye in the air. I wish we could upload videos to Unilocal so I can show you!
Pros
–Tons of fun if you’re willing to get colored
–They partnered with Aloha United Way so by running, you help support local charities
–Dye easily came off of skin and hair (with a lot of scrubbing)
–Entertaining (like I mentioned, many people showed up in costumes, they played music and the host was entertaining as well)
Cons
–Probably not suitable for people with asthma. On a couple occasions, my friends got dye in their mouth as they were screaming and/​or laughing in the dye zones. There was dye flying all over the place so it’s probably best to keep your mouth shut and hold your breath in the dye zones.
–Long lines for check in. I recommend going early and hopefully they have two check in days for the next time. Lines were long the day before the run and from what I heard and saw being posted, the line was continuously long throughout the entire day.
Would I do it again? Over and over! I highly recommend this run to anyone who hasn’t tried it and doesn’t mind getting a little dirty. Okay, A LOT dirty!
Like they say, «You haven’t lived dyed running!»