Novelty Running Events

Novelty running events can be a great day out for all the family

Between 2010 and 2020 novelty runs, mostly 5k events, were everywhere. Colour runs and inflatable runs and many more besides sprung up in double quick time and every town and city seemed to have multiple options. Then as quickly as they arrived, they were gone. There are still some around and they are good fun, so if you get the chance they are something different and a way to experience a different side to running!

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What is a novelty run?

Ten years ago they were everywhere. There were inflatable runs, foam runs, color runs, zombie runs, numerous mud runs events, electric and glow runs and music runs. Generally they were 5km events with some a bit shorter and some a bit longer, but most covered just over 3 miles. They often attracted a new runner and lots of families. It was a different approach and millions around the world wanted in.

One of the biggest in its prime was The Color Run. It all started as recently as 2011 by Travis Snyder, with the first event held in Phoenix, with 6000 runners and health awareness as a key goal. The following year there were events in 50 US cities and 600,000 runners and in 2013 there were 100 events across the world. Its growth was phenomenal and it grew to 300 events globally in 2014.

These events, although they could be very expensive, were great fun and introduced a huge number of people to the sport, creating long lasting memories.

What's the background?

At the same time the Color Run was expanding, a number of competitor color events were being launched, along with many others that introduced different, but still competing themes. As more and more event organisers came into the market, it became more crowded and those that already existed had to work much harder to retain their share.

Mud runs (see our post here) also grew at an incredible rate and suddenly every major city in the US and beyond had a plethora of event options, and this was on top of all the standard 5km and 10km road races that were also growing.

More and more genres were introduced and often a runner only did one type once and moved on to another. Lots of them began to get cancelled at short notice and many of them went ahead with small numbers, often loss making. Corners were cut and the quality was impacted. This caused this new type of runner to become disillusioned and the market began to shrink as numbers declined. There were only a certain number of people who wanted to run these events, especially as reputations started to decline but there were so many events to choose from.

And then Covid hit and the whole event world went into freefall, especially novelty runs.

What's happening with Novelty runs right now?

Not surprisingly Covid has caused many event companies, especially those with limited access to finance, to close. This includes many in the novelty run market. During 2022 to 2022 the sector was totally devastated. Thankfully during 2023, some events are starting to be re-launched and there are more options than were a year ago.

• Color Runs

  
  

There are now some color runs coming back into the market with the most high profile being Color Obstacle Rush https://colorobstaclerush.co.uk/ This is marketed as 'the biggest run in the world that combines the fun of colour and obstacles. With colour stations, different obstacles, and music zones we are going to bring you the most memorable, fun, and colourful run of your life!'. Currently UK events are advertised and options for some European cities, but no dates. There are no events advertised for the US.

The biggest operator in the US appears to be the Color Vibe 5k series, but despite there being many US towns and cities listed there are no dates for any of them and there don't appear to have been any in 2023 to date.

https://www.thecolorvibe.com/index.php

There are no details of any events on The Color Run website, with the most recent information referencing the 2021 season. There's no social media since 2020.

Color Me Rad was one of the big series and their website is saying it's coming back soon.

It seems that there are many color events springing up in local towns and cities that are unconnected. They are individual events, rather than being operated by one company. This may be the short term future.

• Inflatable runs

  
  

They are starting to reemerge, especially in the UK. The country's biggest are marketed as 'The world's largest and best fun run the 'Inflatable 5K’ has got even bigger and bouncier. Our Unique Inflatable Obstacle Course Race (OCR) has less Running and even more obstacles in 2023. New Obstacles, new pumping Music Zones and new Locations. It is going to be Epic!'

https://www.ukrunningevents.co.uk/events/inflatable-5k There may be global events added soon.

As with color runs there are plenty of local inflatable runs in the US.

• Bubble, foam and glow runs

  
  

For a short period these were a firm favorite and they are coming back in some towns and cities, albeit on a much smaller scale. The small bubble rush series in the UK is an example, https://bubble-rush.com/

The foam fest series, with 21 events across Canada and Australia is one that has the potential to grow and expand into more countries, https://the5kfoamfest.com/ There are events already scheduled for 2024.

Mixing foam and neon is the focus of the Foam Glow series. 'Foam Glow' is the world’s largest glowing foam run and dance party. Light up the night in this 5k course as you run, walk, and dance under our high-intensity black lights. Neon foam cannons will shower you with fluorescent colors as you make your way through our Foam Glow 5K™ Zones. Stick around for the larger-than-life after-party that’s equipped with live music, activity booths, dancing, vendors, photo ops, and more.' There are a lot of US dates scheduled, although some were cancelled in 2023 at short notice. https://foamglow.com/

• Music runs

  
  

Many big half and full marathons include live bands and DJs along their courses to keep runners entertained. At the peak of the novelty running boom events were created that focused on music and finished with a big concert that was included in the entry fee. A series that has been launched to build on this genre is the Night Nation Run.

'The Night Nation Run is the World’s 1st Running Music Festival, an ultimate blend of a Music Festival and a Fun Run. Experience a music filled course with Live DJs, Light Shows, Bubble Zones, Neon and Black Lights. Cross the finish line into an Epic Main Stage After Party featuring Top Headliner DJs. Enjoy a once in a lifetime running experience as we Light Up The Night together! To date over 1 million people across the World have become a member of the Night Nation©! https://nightnationrun.com/ There are a lot of US dates planned and some have already taken place in 2023 to good reviews.

The Music Run was one of the originals that appears to be relaunching. It's scheduled for a comeback event in 2023 in Singapore. It was originally a predominantly Asian series but was beginning to expand globally before Covid hit. https://themusicrun.com.sg/

• Hot Chocolate Runs

  
  

We have a separate post on the successful Hot Chocolate Runs. These aren't 'novelty' in the same way as some of the events discussed above, as they are road races, across 5k, 10k and 15k distances but their finish line swag definitely is. https://hotchocolate15k.com/

What's the future looking like for Novelty runs?

Events in the running world are beginning to recover from the destruction suffered during the pandemic. Entries numbers are beginning to grow and some of the bigger events are reporting significant growth. The 'novelty' sector will take a long time to recover and it is unlikely it will be as it was in 2015, at its peak. There is always room for something different in any sector and there may well be something very different around the corner. Hopefully we'll see color runs back in our local parks and neon and foam will also be back near you. Music and running always go together and the more runs that focus on this the better. Watch this space!

Raising money for charity

If you are thinking of doing a novelty run why not raise some much needed funds for charity. Lots of charities get involved with these events and would love your support.

Chapter, a metal health charity in the UK, is one such example.

They are involved with two events and would you to take part for them.

1. The Inflatable 5k (18th July 2026, Tatton Park, Cheshire) The ultimate "radical fun" team-builder. It’s inclusive, designed for all abilities, and perfect for boosting morale through laughter.

• Register here: Chapter Inflatable 5k Partner Page

  
  

2. Born Survivor (16th May 2026, Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire) For those looking to test their true "grit," this is a 10km military-style assault course with 30+ obstacles. It is the perfect "Elite Tier" challenge for those who want to go the extra mile for mental health.

• Register here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/chapter-born-survivor

By fielding a team or sharing these links, you are directly helping Chapter ensure that no one in our community has to face mental health struggles alone.