"Color me happy"

Today I ran the color run . If you haven’t heard about this 5k that’s sweeping the nation as “The Happiest 5k on the Planet,” then let me catch you up.  This is a 5k that is not timed and is a “unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back.”  THOUSANDS of people sign up for this race (600,000 in 2012 and over a million already in 2013!), decked out in colorful tutus, wigs, socks and clothes, most of which starts out white and ends up covered in a nice variety of purple, green, blue, and orange. (Color Run)
 
While I was running with a friend of mine, we decided to take a walking break and have a little conversation.  I asked her why she thought so many people get so into a race where people throw colored cornstarch at you that gets EVERYWHERE – hair, face, eyes, and mouth included.  We concluded it is rather bizarre.  You either get it or you don’t but I’ll tell you one thing, this race is open to anyone and everyone.  We saw young children, older couples, bridal parties, teams running in memory of someone special, people in wheelchairs, on knee scooters, and walkers!!  There is no pressure to finish within a
certain amount of time so people just cruise along at their own pace, enjoying the company of a friend or someone they just met.  

What is it about that colored cornstarch though?!  (read more here...)