Photo Gallery | The Color Run adds Columbia to its 2013 lineup

The largest 5k paint event in the world will make its debut in Columbia March 2.

The Color Run has partnered up with the Historic Columbia Foundation and Girls on the Run as the charity partners for the event.

With no winners or official times, The Color Run celebrates healthiness, happiness, and individuality, bringing the community together to create a five-kilometer canvas of colorful fun in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer.

 “The Color Run’s focus on health, happiness and fun aligns perfectly with our program’s philosophy,” says Girls on the Run council director Mary Lohman. “We’re honored to be part of Columbia’s first Color Run.”

The race course goes through the Robert Mills Historic District, running past several historic houses including the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion on Blanding Street.

“Historic Columbia Foundation is proud to be a charity partner for The Color Run,” says Carrie Phillips, director of marketing at Historic Columbia Foundation. “A run through the Robert Mills Historic District is a wonderful way to see the gardens and historic homes in this neighborhood.”

As charity partners, Historic Columbia Foundation and Girls on the Run are assisting with volunteer recruitment for the event.

Volunteer shifts are available 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on February 28 and March 1 as well as before and during the race on March 2. To volunteer, visit bit.ly/ColaCRVol and be sure to choose a charity partner on the form. Each charity partner receives a donation for each volunteer who completes a shift.

Participation in, and buzz for, The Color Run have exploded since its debut last year with more than a half-million "likes" on Facebook. The Color Run visited more than 50 cities in 2012 with nearly 600,000 participants. Organizers plan to make 2013 a stellar year, launching more than 100 events across the country with an estimated one million participants.

“We call The Color Run the ‘happiest 5K on the planet’ because our events bring together friends and family in a unique, healthy, and fun environment,” said Travis Snyder, founder of The Color Run. “Our only rules are that people wear white and prepare to be covered in color at the finish!”

The 5k course starts and ends at Finlay Park, and the fun will continue at a finish line color festival. Runners and walkers can register individually or with a 4-person team.