Started by Keweenaw Pride in 2015, this is the second run since Keweenaw Young Professionals (KYP) took it over in 2019. Proceeds from the event go back into KYP’s programs, including networking events.

The 5k race started and ended near the Memorial Union Building at Michigan Technological University, running downhill to the Super 8 and going to Dee Stadium along the waterfront trail before turning back and running west through campus to the finish.

About 360 people had registered for the run, Coon said.

“It’s not a run where you’re getting timed,” said Eric Coon, co-chair of the KYP board. “We’re not actually keeping places or anything. It’s just a fun run, something different.”

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Lily Hane, right, douses a runner with colored powder during the Keweenaw Color Run Sunday.

At the start line, runners reached into bags of colored powder and tossed them up, dowsing themselves and others in color. For those who wanted more — and most did — volunteers at several stations along the way stood ready to spray runners with jets of purple, green and other colors.

Delaney Harris and Francis Prins, both first-year physical therapy graduate students, just moved to the area three weeks ago. They heard about the Color Run and decided to try it out.

“It was a lot of fun,” Harris said. “We made it through.”

It was the first 5k of any kind for Jared Johnson, a second-year applied ecology and environmental science major who runs as a hobby.

“It was totally fun,” said Johnson, whose face was covered in orange. “It’s a beautiful area. It’s a beautiful day, the temperature’s nice. You’re running down the Portage (Canal) getting a view of Hancock.”