Colour Run Checklist (Free Planning Guide)

Introduction

Planning a colour run doesn’t need to be complicated.

In fact, the best events we deliver follow a very simple structure, the difference is just making sure nothing gets missed.

This checklist gives you a clear, step-by-step way to organise your event, based on how we run 100+ colour runs each year across schools, charities and community groups.

You can follow this exactly or adapt it to suit your event. Colour Run Planning Checklist

1. The Basics

• Decide event type (fundraising or celebration)

• Estimate participant numbers

• Choose your date

• Confirm your venue

2. Plan Your Event Setup

• Design a simple looped route

• Decide on lenght of running time

• Plan 3–6 colour stations

• Choose your start/finish area

3. Build Your Team

• Event organiser (lead person)

• Colour station volunteers (1–2 per station)

• Registration helpers (if needed)

• Teachers/supervisors (for schools)

• Warm-up leader

4. Promote Your Event

• Send information to parents/participants

• Share on social media or school apps

• Display posters if needed

• Set clear expectations (what to wear, what happens)

5. Organise Equipment

• Colour powder

• Containers or bottles for throwing (optional)

• Station markers or signage (Cones & Balloons work great)

• Music system / speaker

• Optional: sunglasses, t-shirts

👉 Not sure how much powder you need?

See: How Much Colour Powder Do You Need?

6. Safety Planning

• Check your route for hazards

• Plan safe throwing at stations

• Brief volunteers

• Prepare a simple safety talk

👉 See: Colour Run Risk Assessment Guide

7. Plan the Experience

• Choose a warm-up song

• Plan music during the run

• Organise your final colour throw

8. Final Week Prep

• Confirm participant numbers

• Brief all volunteers

• Check all equipment

• Plan your setup time

9. On the Day

• Set up route and stations

• Deliver welcome + safety brief

• Run warm-up

• Start the colour run

• Finish with a group colour throw

10. After the Event

• Pack down

• Collect fundraising (if applicable)

• Share photos and celebrate

Quick Tips (From Real Events)

• Keep your route simple — loops work best

• More laps = more colour and more fun

• Don’t overcomplicate the setup

• Slightly overestimate powder

• Focus on experience, not competition
  

Download This Checklist

👉 Want a printable version?

We recommend copying this into a simple document or printing this page for your planning.

(Downloadable version coming soon)

Need Help?

If you’d prefer support with your event:

• You can buy colour powder directly

• Or book a full colour run package where we handle everything

Or just call me (Daryl) - I genuinely don’t mind talking colour runs: 07541819642