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Posted on Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 4:55 a.m.

Ypsilanti Color Run expected to bring thousands to the city Sunday

By Lisa Carolin

On Sunday, Riverside Park in Ypsilanti will transform into a "race village" as the Color Run adds a splash of color and as many as 30,000 participants to the city.

atlanta-color-run.jpg

The Atlanta Color Run

photo by Brian Hall | courtesy of the Color Run

The area right across the river on Cross Street at Depot Town will be the starting line for the Color Run, a 5K that is described as "less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family."

Racers get equipped with color packs that they can throw anytime after the race begins. The first wave of runners start at 8 a.m., and additional waves leave every 10 minutes until round 9:20 a.m.

"The race will be bringing as many as 30,000 people into Ypsilanti the day of the race, so this is a major opportunity for the city and the businesses to really sell ourselves as a great place to visit or live," said Tim Colbeck, executive director of the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority.

This is the first year of the Color Run in Ypsilanti, which is being coordinated by the Ypsilanti Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"We have been notifying businesses and residents of street closures and what to expect the day of the event," said Christine Laughren, the organization's communications manager for executive director, adding that they are also working on a parking plan for the event and coordinating the volunteer effort.

Laughren, who estimates $1.8 million in visitor spending because of the Color Run, is putting together a map of Ypsilanti's landmarks for participants that will include the Ypsilanti Freighthouse, the Thompson Building, the Hutchinson Mansion, the water tower and Riverside Park.

"The run starts in Depot Town and continues to the campus of Eastern Michigan University and downtown Ypsilanti, finally ending back in Riverside Park," said Laughren.

"In addition to the very positive economic impact the Color Run will have on our county, it also gives us the opportunity to showcase the city to thousands of new visitors," said Debbie Locke-Daniel, executive director of the Ypsilanti Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

There are two rules for the race: Runners must wear white shirts when they begin the race, and at the end of the 5K course, they need to be covered in colors.

Each kilometer of the event has a designated color, and as the participants run or walk through "color run zones," they get blitzed by volunteers, sponsors and staff with the color dust, which is said to be completely natural and safe.

Registration spots are sold out.

To learn more about the Ypsilanti Color Run, go to the event's website or call 734-483-4444.

Comments

Terri Eagen-Torkko

Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:49 a.m.

I live in Ypsi, too, and I had no trouble getting around town this morning, the runners who parked on our street were courteous and parked legally and the people I know who were there had a lot of fun. I don't know why the other Ypsi residents didn't know this was happening--our neighborhood association let us know ahead of time.

YpsiGreen

Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.

"The race will be bringing as many as 30,000 people into Ypsilanti the day of the race, so this is a major opportunity for the city and the businesses to really sell ourselves as a great place to visit or live," said Tim Colbeck, executive director of the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority." Except if you live here, you won't be able to drive or park anywhere because of the "race." "We have been notifying businesses and residents of street closures and what to expect the day of the event," said Christine Laughren, the organization's communications manager for executive director, adding that they are also working on a parking plan for the event and coordinating the volunteer effort." Just how and where did this get communicated to the residents? I'd like to see that "communication piece" that was provided by the so called organizers. (Sounds like it was more a ploy to get people to spend money here and then scram afterwards.)

YpsiCityMomma

Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.

As a resident in downtown Ypsilanti, I'm rather annoyed that the "organized" parking that is discussed, merely consists of runners parking where ever they feel they can. There are vehicles blocking my driveway and those along our street ONE BLOCK from downtown Ypsilanti. They're avoiding paying to park at the Key Bank lot and using residential streets as a back up. None of the residents in this general area were informed that this could potentially be a problem. I think that if this happens again it would be nice if the organizers have designated spots for their participants to park in instead of causing undue congestion in residential areas.

YpsiGreen

Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 1:09 p.m.

Tried to get through downtown Ypsi is morning and couldn't. Was channeled ("pushed") east while I was trying to go west. Just poor planning AND communication about street closures. Was this planned by the Ann Arbor Marathon people? Sorry, city. Try again.

lefty48197

Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 6:58 p.m.

Ypsi residents might want to go to the AA art fair to avoid the crowd!

YpsiGreen

Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.

On Sunday?

slave2work

Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.

geez.. I'm glad they told everyone!!. NOT. This is the first I have heard that this will be going on. I live 3/4 mile from the city.

1bit

Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 1:08 p.m.

See you there - I'll be the one with the paint all over me.

Carole

Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 12:05 p.m.

Sounds like tons of fun -- all be safe and enjoy the day thoroughly.