Running Through Color

Who knew getting splattered with paint powder could be so fun?

Running Through Color 758 (photo credit: NEFESH B'NEFESH)
Running Through Color 758
(photo credit: NEFESH B'NEFESH)
This past November, the second “Running in Color” event took place at Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv. The event was co-sponsored by NATAL, Israel’s trauma center for victims of terror and war, and Nirlat, an Israeli paint company, and brought together over 3,000 participants, including students, families, OU’s Yachad Israel team members, and 1,000 IDF soldiers.
With three different tracks offered, including 5 km, 1.5 km, and 300 m, people of all abilities were able to take part in the race. Each experienced the excitement of having hazard-free colored powder tossed at them at different intervals, making them feel like they were running through clouds of color.
 
The beautiful colors not only created a joyous atmosphere, but also represented the internal wounds of emotional trauma. The race, which was meant to unite the body and soul, enabled participants to run for a good cause while spreading awareness of the struggles that victims of terror face.
 
California-native Bat Sherut Judy Derovan was thrilled to take part in the Running in Color event. “I always saw these types of big events happening in America, and I was really excited to see one happening in Israel, as well,” she said. “I knew I had to be a part of it!”
 
In addition to the races, the event featured lively music and kid-friendly activities, including a moonwalk, paint walls, and rides.
 
After the paint and music-filled “Finish Festival,” Hayarkon Park was covered in rainbow streaks.
Though each participant returned home to a load of laundry, the beautiful event made it all worth it.