Charity colourfest heads to Bay

SPECTACULAR: Two contestants in a US Clouds of Colour event. PHOTO/ALEXNIKA

Clouds of colour will descend upon Tauranga Racecourse next month.

Colour Dash is a new event for New Zealand with its inaugural event to be held in Tauranga as part of the Dash Downunder Tour.

Local woman Michelle Whitmore has brought the event here after she participated in and helped promote an event in Arizona in January.

The event is billed as the "world's brightest 5km" as people walk or run and are dashed with special colourful dust along the way.

"The thing I loved about the event was that people of all ages and fitness levels were taking part with most walking (and some running), but everyone smiling and having a good time,' Michelle says.

"It's just a sea of smiles and happy people really."

Half of registration costs go to Ronald McDonald House Auckland, who provide free accommodation and support to families with sick children.

Event manager Luisa Schroder says it's a great chance to dress up and wear your best white - such as togas, wedding dresses, tutus or labcoats. Their will be five stations around the course with helpers ready to hurl paint.

Every entrant gets a free T-shirt and a bag of colour. Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is the main sponsor.

- DASH DOWNUNDER TOUR: Tauranga Racecourse October 5 and starts at 2pm with a band. Ph 0800 BUY TIX (289 849)