ColorVibe fun run coming to Lake Zurich's Paulus Park

Up to 5,000 people are expected in Lake Zurich next summer for a global fun run series that features participants getting hit with colored powder.

Paulus Park, set around the village's namesake lake, will be the principal venue for the ColorVibe 5K run and walk. Lake Zurich village board members recently approved ColorVibe's special event request and agreement.

Lake Zurich Recreation Manager Bonnie Caputo said the date of the run remained undecided as of Thursday. Originally set for June 20, ColorVibe's representatives have indicated a possible conflict might push the Lake Zurich race to August, she said.

Either way, Caputo said she's excited about ColorVibe coming to Lake Zurich.

“I thought it was a really unique spin on exercising,” she said.

With start and finish lines in Paulus Park, ColorVibe will offer more than a jaunt around the lake. Materials provided to the village state that a typical race has a master of ceremonies leading the crowd in stretching, followed by a race countdown and colored powder tossed in all directions on participants wearing clean white shirts.

Bright, vibrant colored cornstarch is used. Color stations will be placed along Lake Zurich's promenade and near Paulus and Breezewald parks to avoid private properties.

Fun will continue at Paulus Park after the race. Plans call for a party with a disc jockey, dancing and more color throwing.

In the agreement with Lake Zurich, ColorVibe will be responsible for cleanup at all village facilities and surrounding areas. Based on a check with Aurora officials and other references, Caputo said, ColorVibe has performed well with the cleanup.

ColorVibe holds events across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.

Meanwhile, Paulus Park may become busier next year with an event that's previously been held at Lake Zurich High School's football stadium.

At least 100 participants are expected in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life fundraising walk that may be moved to Paulus Park on Saturday evening, June 6 through early morning June 7.

Lake Zurich park and recreation advisory board members this week recommended that Relay For Life be allowed to use Paulus Park. The village board will get the final say on the matter.