Walk, skip, run, jump your way through an explosion of colour at the Colour Ya World 5km fun run on Saturday, April 11, that is suitable for any age group or fitness level.

Following the success of the 2018 run, East Gippsland’s most colourful run is coming to Bairnsdale this Easter Saturday in support of Mount Taylor CFA.

After a devastating start to 2020 with a nonexistent summer for adults and kids, Mhairi McShane, from The HIIT Factory, wanted to bring an event that would not only bring smiles to the faces of many but also drive tourists to the town and fundraise.

“After having success with up to 800 participants in 2017 and 2018 with colour run I decided now was a better time than any to repeat that success,” she said.

“I wanted the event to be a fundraiser so approached Apex Club of Bairnsdale to collaborate. We applied for and had success with funding from Gippsland Primary Health Network and actually purchased the Colour World business so we could use it as a notfor- profit. All profits this year will go to Mount Taylor CFA Brigade.

“We want to encourage as many locals to bring their friends and family up for Easter and join us in having a lot of fun with vibrant music, dancing and head to toe in colour. It is the ultimate party run with lots of smiles, happiness, laughs and throwing colour.

“The run is a celebration about being active and healthy and bringing the community together.

“You can run, walk or crawl – the most important thing is to get involved. Whether you are running or walking solo, bringing your friends and family or looking for a fun teambuilding activity, I would urge everyone to get involved and make these events in our community a success.”

Kassy O’Kelly, from Apex, said Apex is excited to bring Colour Ya World back to East Gippsland.

“We encourage everyone to join us Easter Saturday and support our community,” she said.

The event will start from the Mitchell River port and will follow the marked 5km parkrun route.

Runners will be released in waves to take on the course, being showered with coloured powder along the way.

The event is not a race and is not timed – it’s all about having fun, enjoying a colourful day out and connecting with family and friends.

There will be a live DJ, dancing, food vendors and a family friendly atmosphere. The run guarantees a truly memorable experience as runners are showered in coloured powder (made from food grade corn starch, 100 per cent natural) turning pristine white t-shirts into a rainbow explosion of colour.

IMAGE: Mount Taylor CFA members Geoff Crane, Grant Stewart, Mick Tomkins, John Pruscino, Dylan Graham, Sheridan Graham, Cooper Tomkin and Katrina Crane, with Apex member, Brendan O’Kelly, event organisers Jasmyn Steele and Mhairi McShane, and the O’Kelly kids are getting ready for the Colour Ya World run on Easter Saturday. (PS)