- Title: SWITZERLAND-COLOR RUN Lausanne hosts a colorful run with 10,000 participants
- Date: 12th September 2015
- Summary: BELLERIVE PLACE IN LAUSANNE
- Embargoed: 27th September 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Switzerland
- Country: Switzerland
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVAD9L8XP3N6PWK17PTX281TOAWU
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Hosting The Color Run for the first time ever in Switzerland, 10,000 people gathered in Lausanne on Saturday (September 12) to run five kilometres for charity.
People were seen gathering near Lausanne port to take part in the charity event, originally founded in March 2011.
The thousands taking part are each "assigned" colours, and given coloured power which they throw over themselves and others, taking inspiration from the Hindu festival of Holi.
Since then races have been held in cities all over the world, which The Color Run says has helped them donate more than $3 million, according to The Color Run's website.
The reason for its success, according to young participants on Saturday, was its lightheartedness.
"To have fun and that's all. Above all to have fun", a young participants waiting before the start of the race, told Reuters. "It looks so cool", added his friend.
The Color Run charges participants between 40 and 50 Swiss Francs to enter, and in each city it then donates a portion of the ticket revenue to local charities.
People came from all over Switzerland and sometimes, for a little bit further afield.
"I come from west of China and I come from Brig (Switzerland city in Valais canton), I study in Brig and I come here for Color Run. Yes, I come here only for the run", said one participant.
"That was great. If they do it again here in Lausanne, without a doubt we reregister immediately", said two runners after the race.
"Today is the first time in Switzerland. It was an unexpected success for us, because we have here 10,000 people. So for Lausanne which is a small city it was a pleasant surprise for us", said the Director of The Color Run, Tiago Pereira.
Pereira added that he will definitely ask to the city of Lausanne to host the event next year.
A party is held after the end of the run itself, which saw those taking part smiling and dancing. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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