Color Run Fundraiser FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

A color run fundraiser is a bold and potentially very profitable fundraising opportunity available to teams, organizations, and groups like high school classes, music programs, sports teams, and parent teacher organizations. To run a perfect color run, you need time, investment, and if you need a little guidance, we’re here to help.

Here are the most common questions we get from potential color run fundraisers and our answers from some of the best minds in the industry. We’ve picked the brains of over 100 coaches about how they do program fundraising and here are the answers to your color fun fundraiser questions.

The Basics - How to Do a Color Run

1. What is a color run?

A color run is a non-competitive walk or run, usually five kilometers long (3.1 miles), where volunteers shower participants with bright, food-grade cornstarch powder at multiple stations. Runners start wearing white and finish looking like living tie-dye, creating share-worthy photos that lead to shareable social media photos and a fun morning or afternoon. Because finish times don’t matter, it’s truly inclusive—anyone who can move, stroll, or roll the course can join in, making it a great and appealing fundraiser for those organizations with families.

2. How to host a color run?

Each participant registers online and receives a personal pledge page; friends and family donate either a flat amount or a per-kilometer pledge. A platform such as Teamfi processes payments, tracks leaderboards, and deposits funds straight to your account with zero platform fees. The digital approach means grandparents in another state can give just as easily as neighbors next door.

Layer on additional fundraisers like our walkathon product whether through our walkathon software or a pen-and-paper walkathon template to raise even more money for your cause. Just like with a color run, you may have additional questions on how to run a walkathon and we’re always here to help.

3. What is the best way to register for my color run?

Your registration costs should cover your baseline costs of a color run at the minimum and ideally more than that. By registering with Teamfi and pairing your color run with an a-thon fundraiser, you can really boost numbers and are well on your way to success.

Pen and paper registration involves a lot of paperwork and other form websites usually are subscription based and charge fees. You get charged nothing when you use Teamfi no matter how many people register. Serious, no catch, no more crazy subscription fees. No free trials that turn into big credit card charges after three days. We’re transparent with our pricing, a small cost that goes to payment processing to keep your transaction safe. The rest is yours.

4. Is color run powder safe to inhale?

Yes, most color run powders are just simply cornstarch mixed with FDA-approved food dyes, making it safe. Ensure the cornstarch is gluten-free for anybody with celiac disease and those who are allergy prone or have asthma may want a mask or bandana, but most people experience no irritation. Always remind volunteers to aim below the face and keep rinse-water on hand for peace of mind.

If you’re wondering how to make color run powder, it’s easy. Cover your workspace, mix cornstarch with water to peanut-butter thickness, tint it with food coloring, spread the paste thin on a tray to air-dry until it cracks, then blend the shards into a fine powder. Store the finished color powder in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.

Budget about one lb per runner for a typical course with three to five color stations. Add an extra 25-lb box if you plan a dramatic start. Ordering a little more than the math suggests prevents last-minute shortages and lets you sell mini-packets as souvenirs at the end, just another way to layer on additional fundraising.

5. How long is the color run?

A color run fundraiser can be as long as you want it to be, but most are five kilometers. If using a high school track that’s a ¼ mile long, you could approximate to do 12 laps, which is about equivalent to a 5k.
‍
Color stations are provided to do exactly what they sound like. Throw color onto the course. Three to five stations strike the right balance—fewer can feel underwhelming, while more may clog the course and inflate costs. Place your color stations evenly to sustain excitement without overwhelming runners early. Make each station a different color to help photos pop and create anticipation along the route. Photographers should be set up near these stations and the start and finish lines.

6. Does color run powder stain?

Dry powder brushes off easily, and normal clothes washing will take care of any leftover powder. A post race clean up station should be provided with things like brushes and a way to spray off if people want to.

Your registration should cover the costs of things like powder and you can run your registration directly through Teamfi. Hear why so many coaches and event organizers are using Teamfi for their fundraisers.

7. What to wear to a color run?

White shirts are a must for color runs. Why? Well to show off those colors that will be thrown throughout the race. Nothing crazy, just a plain white cotton unbranded tee or something simple you don’t mind getting a little colorful is the best way to go.

Encourage your color run fundraiser participants to wear comfortable shoes for walking, as well as shorts or leggings. Many participants add sunglasses or goggles for eye protection, especially if wearing contact lenses. Bringing towels is good for the ride home to prevent any remaining colors from being spread to your car.

If you’re wondering how to get color run powder out of hair or how to get color run powder out of clothes, a simple shower or run through the washing machine will do the trick.

Groups attending the event together can opt for matching shirts for team camaraderie and white t-shirts sold at the event can contribute to your fundraiser.

8. How many volunteers are required for 100 participants in a color run?

Plan on roughly one helper per five participants as a general rule of thumb. five at registration, two per color station, about ten course marshals, plus setup/cleanup and photographers. A small “green team” dedicated to recycling and cleanup can speed your exit from the venue. Clear walkie-talkie channels or a group-chat thread keep everyone coordinated.

We have a full breakdown of fundraiser ideas and budget items listed out on our how to run a color run fundraiser walkthrough.

9. What permits or insurance do I need for a color run fundraiser?

Most municipalities and school districts require an outdoor-event permit, proof of $1 million general-liability coverage, and sometimes an amplified-sound okay. Apply four to six weeks ahead to avoid rush fees, and keep digital copies with your event documents. If you’ll close streets, factor police or barricade fees into the budget.

10. How much does it cost to host a color run?

Essential expenses for 100 runners average $1.7 K—covering powder, permits, insurance, supplies, water, and music. Optional extras like custom shirts, souvenir packets, or an inflatable finish arch can raise the total to $3 K–$3.5 K. Many groups secure in-kind sponsors to cover those extras without dipping into profits.

Don’t forget that in our how to run a color run breakout, we’ve got all those price projections available.

11. How to plan a color run?

Begin at least twelve weeks out to secure a venue, apply for permits, recruit volunteers, and market the run, though larger public events often start three to four months ahead. Early planning locks in lower vendor prices and gives sponsors more lead time to approve budgets. A project-management checklist keeps the timeline on track.

The Race Itself - How to organize a color run.

12. How do wave starts help in a color run fundraiser?

Releasing 20–25 runners every 60–90 seconds prevents bottlenecks at the first color station and helps volunteers avoid running out of powder too quickly. Wave starts also space finishers for cleaner photos and easier medal distribution if you offer souvenirs. Use colored wristbands or bib numbers to manage the waves.

If you do have runners in the field and those runners are interested in having a best time, it’s wise to send them out first.

13. What is a color toss in a color run and when should we do it?

A color toss is a countdown moment where every participant throws a small packet of powder into the air, forming a dramatic rainbow cloud. Many events hold one at the start for hype and another at the finish for photos. The toss doubles as a marketing tool, video clips of the burst are social-media gold and help generate excitement for your fundraiser.

14. How do we clean up after our color run fundraiser?

Sweep or leaf-blow loose powder from sidewalks or athletic tracks, then rinse with a garden hose; on grass, a sprinkler cycle dissolves residue. Provide trash and recycling bins at every station to cut post-event litter. Assign a specific team to break down tables, pack banners, and haul boxes so organizers aren’t stuck long after runners leave.

Leaving your space neat and tidy after the event gives the best impression for your color run fundraiser and makes site rebooking for next year a piece of cake.

15. What if it rains on the color run fundraiser event day?

Drizzle, light rain, and even a passing show will not have a major effect on your event. It can even provide some relief on a hot day. You should include a rain date when you do registrations and announce well ahead of time in case there is severe weather or a continuous downpour during your event.

Tarps and plastic bags are a great way to protect your color packets from passing showers.

16. Do color runs need portable toilets?

If venue restrooms are more than a five-minute walk—or you expect over 200 people—renting two portable units keeps lines short and hygiene standards high. Confirm delivery and pickup times to avoid early-morning chaos. Some sponsors cover restroom rentals in exchange for branding the doors.

17. How do I estimate water needs for a color run?

Plan one gallon of drinking water for every ten runners plus volunteers, meaning about 15 gallons for 100 participants and staff. Renting a 10-gallon cooler plus backup cases of bottles covers unexpected heat. Freeze a few jugs the night before so the water stays cold during the race, or use ice bags from a place like your local gas station.

18. What color run first-aid precautions are recommended?

Stock a basic kit with bandages, ice packs, and eyewash, and hire or stipend an off-duty EMT or nurse for three hours. Clearly mark a first-aid tent and include its location on your course map. Encourage volunteers to report any issues via radio so help can arrive quickly.

19. Can young children or strollers participate in the color run?

They 100% can and should, a color run should most appeal to families and be family friendly. That includes small details like music choices, no expletive music for example. When it comes to young kids your volunteers should be reminded to throw color packets below chest height and avoid throwing color at strollers.

Offer families with babies present the option to have a stroller cover to avoid coming into contact with any toddlers.

20. How long does color run setup typically take?

Count on about three hours for course marking, tent and table setup, speaker placement, and volunteer briefings, though experienced crews can finish faster. This should all be done before race day and not the day of in case anything is delayed. Vendors should arrive 30 minutes earlier than their published requirement to allow for traffic delays. A printed site map distributed beforehand helps everyone know where to go.

21. How can I reduce costs for our color run without cutting quality?

Seek in-kind donations—water from a grocery store, printing from a local shop, music from a student DJ, photography from student photographers, and borrowing cones or tables from a school. Offering free sponsorships in exchange for goods like snacks or catering from a local restaurant for volunteers is a mutually beneficial deal.

Fundraising Tools - How to fundraise for a color run

22. What tech tools streamline registration for events like color runs?

Platforms like Teamfi allow for simple registration, tracking pledges in real time, and allow for additional fundraising opportunities. Schedule a demo with us to learn how our platform can make a color run easier for you. We work with some of the best payment processors in the world to keep your fundraiser safe.

23. What other fundraisers can I layer into a color run to help with bringing in money?

From the basic tried and true low-effort fundraisers to advanced higher revenue generating fundraisers there are a variety of different options when it comes to being able to get the most out of your color run fundraiser.

Water should be included as part of your fundraiser registration and be free on the course, but other drinks like sports drinks could be made available for purchase.

• Sponsorships
• Food Trucks
• Bake Sale
• Photographer
• Walkathon
• T-shirt/Merch Sales

24. How can I wrap up my color run, and if I use Teamfi, get my money?

With Teamfi, we offer several options for your color run fundraiser donations and registrations. We can cut you a check or we have the ability to set up a direct deposit that goes directly into your organization's account.

Within 24 hours, post highlight photos, announce total funds raised, tag sponsors, and send a gratitude email blast through your registration platform. Schedule next year’s date immediately so families can pencil it in while excitement is fresh. Sharing a short survey also helps refine the event and show stakeholders you value feedback.

25. How do sponsors benefit from sponsoring a color run?

Sponsors can receive logo placement on event shirts, banners, social-media shout-outs, and can be placed on each participant’s pledge page in Teamfi. Show your sponsors after the event how many people were at your event and saw posts on social media to encourage them to return next year. Offering free registration for 3-4 employees from a sponsor can boost participation numbers and bring in more people.

Running a color run with Teamfi’s help is easy and there’s a reason why high schools, groups, and organizations alike continue to return to Teamfi for fundraisers.