Walking through downtown on Saturday morning, I donned an outfit that on most days would get a few of stares. From head to toe, I was covered in various shades of colored powder making me look more like a Rainbow Brite doll, than an average 20-something. However, I didn't receive any look as hoards of people walked next to me wearing the same apparel, if not more outrageous, with colorful tutus and knee socks. Why are we dressed like this you might ask? To participate in the "Happiest 5K on the Planet" -- the Color Run, of course!

The Color Run began in 2011 as an event that supports happiness and healthiness donating proceeds to charities local to the area in which the run would take place.This year the color run I took part in donated money to the Humane Society, helping make it a better environment for the animals looking for forever homes.

The main concept is this: participants can run or walk a 5K in which there are different color stations at each kilometer. At the stations, volunteers douse you with colored powder (a cornstarch mixture) and by the end you are a human rainbow. The reason the run has such success over the years, having events in 40 different countries, is because it promotes health in a fun way.The Color Run is not about who is fastest but about the enjoyment of running for a good cause and for some color.

Yesterday was my fourth run, but each time I still get a burst of excitement as the race gets started. Each year, the there is a focus on a different color theme, with last year being shine with metallics, and this year being tropical. As and MC starts the countdown everyone buzzes with excitement, and then we are off! You see the haze of color filling the air before you even reach the station. Pink, blue and yellow powder, along with various other colors coat you, and even though it sounds a little odd, one time running in one of these will get you hooked.

At the finish line you are greeted with a medal and your own color pack to throw in the air during the after party in which a DJ plays popular music and the crowd celebrates the 5k they just conquered. With a loud 3, 2, 1.... we all throw our color packs into the air, blinding our eyes with massive clouds of color. Looking around, no one is upset or sad, because the Color Run truly achieves its tagline of the "Happiest 5K on the Planet."

The event is for anyone young, or old, so each year I will excitedly await running a 5K (even though I usually hate running) and the chance to make a difference to a charitable organization one burst of color at a time.