I have tested for you: the Color Run in Moorea

A festive 5K race with a burst of colors and Polynesian spirit

On Saturday 25 March, we were 318 runners lining for the Aremiti Fun Run.
The Aremiti Fun Run is a 5 km race with a definite theme each year. For the 2017 edition, it was a color run!

This festive event takes place during the international marathon of Moorea, which hosted this year 40 international athletes.

The ferry company Aremiti offered a Color Run package from Papeete to Moorea for €30. Shuttle, registration fees, meals upon arrival and many other surprises included, the rate was very low comparing to the wonderful day we had.

I boarded the ferry at 7.15am, all runners were on the dock and all dressed up in white – dress code of the race.
During the 40 minutes crossing to Moorea, we had a warm up organized and with the joyful Tahitian atmosphere, it quickly became a giant dance floor. The music was entertaining, the coach was funny: no stress or competition in mind! It is not about being the fastest or crossing the finish line the first, the idea is to promote running. It is all about colors, fun and sharing the moment.

We finally arrived in Moorea, the departure point of the race. The loud speakers play catchy music.
The volunteers give us small bags containing color powder that we have to throw in the air on departure signal. Different colors are offered: pink, green, yellow, blue …

A fun-filled 5K with vibrant powders and stunning views of the lagoon

3,2,1..starting bang! The colored powders are flying in the air and cover us from head to feet. I got my hair green for the first time!
The crowd rushes forward and everyone finds his own running pace. At every kilometer point, volunteers project on us more colored powders. It is fun, time flies by very quickly. It is a pleasure to run on the sand with the lagoon view on my right and a Polynesian orchestra on my left: the line is crossed after 25 minutes.

A well-earned swim, local delicacies, and a celebration of Polynesian culture

As soon as we arrive, we receive a souvenir finisher tee shirt and a local fruit juice.
The finishers take a plunge in the crystal clear lagoon. A well-deserved swim under 30 degrees. At lunch time, we taste the Ma’a Tahiti (local meals). In the afternoon, the concert begins, throughout the day the singers will chain titles. The end of the day is close, medals are given. (Special mention to Tutea DEGAGE who closes the marathon in 2h45).
It is already time to take the shuttle back to Tahiti, it was my first race in Polynesia and it was an exceptional day that I am not going to forget …