ColorBlast 5K returns to Arlington Heights

The streets of downtown Arlington Heights were splattered red, yellow, blue and everything in between Saturday morning, thanks to the Active Care ColorBlast 5K.

The run, like many popular "color runs" around the country, blasts participants with many hues of a chalky substance as they make their way through the course.

"It was super fun," said Maria Churak of Fox River Grove. "We're so colorful; the orange blasters were the best."

Churak ran friend and fellow first-time color runner Courtney Joyce of Lake in the Hills.

Max Waxley, 12, of Palatine was one of the early finishers and said he enjoyed the race, but "it was really tiring."

The race raised money for Clearbrook and Active Care charities, said organizer John Cress.

More than 1,200 people signed up. Mayor Tom Hayes helped lead the race, which started at 8 a.m. from Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St.

The event also featured local food trucks, an ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and more than a dozen sponsored booths with games and prizes.