Putting Fun Into Fitness at Run or Dye

Marquette came alive in a rainbow of colors during the weekend Run or Dye event

Racers get covered with powdered dye as they run throught the course of the Run or Dye event in Marquette, MI. (photo by Alyssa German)

Marquette, MI – Run or Dye is not your average 5k. It’s not a competition and not designated for only the fit runner. Putting fun into fitness sounds almost taboo but this colorful 5k does just that!

Runners line up to begin the Run or Dye race. (photo by Alyssa German)

Participants of all ages and fitness levels were welcomed to join Marquette for its first Run or Dye 5k. Hosted by the YMCA down in Ellwood Mattson’s Lower Harbor. Participants, volunteers, and viewers gathered to experience a new and playful event. With attire ranging from white shirts to poofy tutus and crazy accessories. Everyone was excitedly waiting for the run to start promptly at 9 A.M.

A racer runs through the orange dye station during the Run or Dye event in Marquette, MI. (photo by Alyssa German)

The anticipation was finally over once the blaring music was muted and everyone began screaming the countdown for the first wave of runners. With arms raised high the leaders headed straight through to the first dye station. Volunteers blasted the participants with handfuls of eco-friendly dye quickly engulfing anyone within a few feet into a colored cloud. Faced with four more color stations, everyone made their way around the course and ended with one last shower of dye.

The pink dye station! (photo by Alyssa German)

Being literally a running canvas, the end result was of colorful smiles. Leaving only the need to take their own pictures to document their triumph and the art they had become.

Volunteers throw dye at runners passing through the orange station. (photo by Alyssa German)

Racers make it through the pink station. (photo by Alyssa German)

by Alyssa German

Creative was a word I never thought of to use to describe myself with. Now in my final semester at NMU, I've met a completely different side of myself that was awakened by my career choice. I really only considered photography as a dream job but after two switches of my major, it seemed like photography was always staring me in the face and I just kept running in the opposite direction. Choosing an art filled direction has been one of those ultimate life-changing decisions. I now find myself experimenting many of my interests and let me tell you, it's a long list.

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