Bath at Play's Spring Colors 5k and Half-k Color Run

Think Spring!

Join us for the second annual Bath at Play Spring Colors 5k and Half-k Color Run! Runners will enjoy a beautiful out and back 5k un-timed course through scenic downtown Bath bursting with its own spring colors. Participants will begin and end their color run at the lovely Bridge Park on the banks of the Kennebec River. Volunteers will be scattered along the course wafting those puffs of colored powder to runners. For the littler runners, a shorter course along the waterfront is available and they can do as many half-k color loops as their legs (and t shirts) can handle. The timing of the two runs means that the 5k participants will run first and can meet back up with their littles to get an added color burst. Scroll down for our FAQs and 5k course map. 

Limited Edition Bath at Play T-shirt sales will be available on race-day and we recommend pre-ordering your size during registration or on the store tab. 

Make a Colorful Impact! When you register, we hope you will consider starting a fundraiser for Play! The Top 5 fundraisers will receive a prize sponsored by local businesses in Bath. 

Stay Playful Virtual 5k and Half-k:

For 2026, we've added a virtual 5k and Half-k option for those runners who want to support our playful mission but cannot make it to Bridge Park for the colorful fun in May. Tag @bathatplay in your most playful posts during your virtual challenge!

Race Day Schedule:

7:30AM - 5k and Half-k Day-of Registration and Check-in opens at Bridge Park
8:15AM - 5k Registration and check-in closes
8:30AM - 5k Runners Start!
9:15AM - Half-k Registration & Check-in Closes 
9:30AM - Half-k Runners Start!

Please Note: To help streamline the morning, we strongly encourage registering prior to arriving at Bridge Park on race day. This will allow us to start on time with our police escort through Bath's scenic riverfront! 

Parking: Parking is available along Washington Street and at permit lot adjacent to the Bath Police Department. Please observe posted signs regarding parking time limits and areas where parking is not allowed or reserved for local businesses. Please see our website for more information about parking!

Check-in: 

Don't forget to check-in! We are going paperless for this run. To help us speed up check-in, have your individual QR code ready so that we can scan it to get your registration information. Print your QR code or have it available on your phone when you arrive. 

Packet pickup will be available at 
Location: Southern End of Bridge Park - look for a large red "Check In" flag and a pop-up canopy. 
Date: May 17, 2025
Time: Check in opens at 7:30AM and closes 15 minutes before your start time. 

For Half-k ONLY Participants: While check-in and packet pickup open at 7:30AM, we encourage you to arrive between 8:15AM - 8:30AM. This will help us with checking everyone in and will be closer to the Half-k start at 9:30AM! Check-in and Day-of Registration will be open until 9:15AM. 

Spring Colors T-Shirt Pre-order Pickup
If you pre-ordered one of the Bath at Play special edition Spring Colors t-shirts, please find the t-shirt table to pick up your order after you check in. 

If you did not pre-order a shirt, don't worry! Limited quantities will be available to purchase on race morning for $20-$25! 

Who we are:

Proceeds and donations from this run will support our outreach efforts to increase awareness of the importance of free, dynamic, and inclusive play within our communities. Bath at Play is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Bath, ME. Through grassroots advocacy, spontaneous play initiatives, and local fundraising, Bath at Play seeks to connect communities through play and foster a more playful Maine. Our vision is to set a new standard of play in communities across Maine by expanding the opportunities for freely accessible, dynamic and inclusive play. Read more about us at www.bathatplay.org

Are you interested in sponsoring this event? We have flexible sponsorship tiers and love to collaborate with local businesses. Reach out to us at sponsor@bathatplay.org to discuss sponsorship and business partnership opportunities!

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is a Color Run? A color run is an un-timed running race for participants of any skill level, with no winners or official times. Over the course of the race, runners are covered with different colored powders by volunteers and spectators. These events are designed to be playful and inclusive, just like Bath at Play!
• What is this powder anyway? Just food-grade cornstarch with biodegradable color pigments.
• How did this event come about? The origins of the colorful tossing of powder in Springtime come from the Hindu festival of Holi which celebrates the triumph of good over evil, color, Spring, and love. At some point, people started combining this colorful celebration with running events, birthday parties, and other festivities.
• Is this event Rain or Shine? No. If there is significant rain in the forecast for May 18, we will reschedule to our rain date (TBD). If you have registered, we will email you and make announcements on social media if we have to reschedule.
• How much is it to register? Is there a discount for large families or early registration? Adult registration (18 years and older) is $35 and child registration (0 to 17 years) is $10. Families of 3 or more registrants will automatically receive a $5 per registrant discount! Early-bird registration also has a $5 discount on the above fees before 4/15/25. Day-of registration is $40 for adults and $10 for children for all events. 
• Do the children run separate from the adults? If you and your child are registered for the same event (5k or Half-k) you will start at the same time.
• Do I need to register if I just want to watch? No. We welcome any and all from our awesome community to join in the festivities and fun!
• Will my registration fee help Bath at Play? YES! All proceeds and donations made for the Spring Colors race will go towards our mission to expand dynamic and inclusive play in Maine. Thank you!
• What will my registration fee get me? Entry to the race of your choosing (5k or half-k run, or both for those jogging stroller parents), smiles, fun, and a vibrant rainbow coating of powder.
• What about other race swag? Locally printed t-shirts featuring the Spring Colors Bath at Play logo are available for purchase through the RunSignUp store page. Tie-dye Sunglasses and adjustable sunglasses straps are available as a registration add-on. 
• Are the courses stroller friendly? Yes! We recommend a jogging stroller with a rain cover and/or seat covers for easier clean-up if you are concerned about staining. Both courses will be on paved streets or paved sidewalks.
• Can I bring my dog? Dogs are welcome although be forewarned that they will very likely get as colorful as their owners over the course of the race.
• Can I / my child ride their bike? No, this is a foot traffic only event. For the safety of all participants, especially the rider, we do not allow bicycles on either the 5k or Half-k Spring Colors course. 
   

Race Day Do’s:

• Wear white (T-shirt, shorts, socks, etc) that you want to look like a rainbow of colors after the race.
• Bring a covering/towel or a change of clothes for your car if you’ll be driving back.
• Have fun and Stay Playful!

Race Day Do Nots:

• Wear your favorite dry clean only suit, ball gown, or other non-washable clothing.