2023 ‘Color Run’ In Montclair Will Celebrate Holi, Songkran

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of AAPI Montclair. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

AAPI Montclair is excited to announce the return of Color Run on Sunday, April 16. Last year's event drew hundreds of participants and spectators, and this year promises to be bigger and better.

Color Run 2023 is a 5K and one-mile Fun Run/Walk to celebrate the Indian festival of Holi and Songkran, the Thai New Year. This event combines two joyous festivals. Holi is popularly known as the “Festival of Colors" and the "Festival of Spring." On Holi, entire towns are bathed in vivid colors as people play Holi by splashing colored powder and water. Songkran in Thai means "to move" or "change place." Thai believe that water is purifying: it cleanses one of any bad luck from the past year, and blesses one with good fortune and happiness for the year ahead. On Songkran, people celebrate by engaging in water play.

Racers will run a closed course inside Brookdale Park and will be splashed with colored powder and water at the finish line. There will be a color- and splash-free option for racers who prefer to opt out. Participants of all ages and skill levels are invited to join in the races. Runners and walkers are welcome.

Register by March 20 to receive early bird pricing: $30 for the 5K; $25 for the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk. All entrants will receive a custom t-shirt with our Color Run logo. For more information and to register for the race, visit https://aapimontclair.org/color-run-1. Confidential fee waivers are available by emailing info@aapimontclair.org.

AAPI Montclair is proud to support Montclair Schools’ PTAs. Ten percent of race fees will be donated to runners' PTA of choice by entering the school's code at checkout. Check the event webpage (https://aapimontclair.org/color-run-1) in the coming weeks for specific codes.

A big thank you to our community partners, Fleet Feet and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TATNY). All proceeds raised will support AAPI Montclair's mission to create a more inclusive community by uplifting the varied experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, advocating for AAPI rights and representation, and promoting awareness and education around AAPI culture and history.

AAPI Montclair is a grassroots nonprofit that advocates for and uplifts Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the Montclair area and across New Jersey. We are a brave space to share experiences and help unify our voices to create action and representation for our community.

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