3‑month countdown to your PTA colour run
Image: Colourful bunting hanging across trees on a sunny day.
There’s a lot to consider for a colour run. We recommend you start planning it at least six months in advance, but here’s how to catch up if you only have half that time!
12 weeks before
- Agree a date with your school or local council
- Find out what requirements your local council has, as well as any permits you
will need, and start the applications - Figure out your First Aid needs
- Decide on your course, distance and timings
10 weeks before
- Start advertising for volunteers
- Put together a registration pack, including a registration form with details of the run and forms asking for contact and medical information. Have a parental/carer consent section for any under-18s taking part
- Put together an advertising campaign
8 weeks before
- Make a list of everything you need for your event
- If you have any gaps in your volunteer roster, continue advertising the positions
- Send out registration packs with a clear return date on them
- Complete all health and safety paperwork including risk assessments for each individual element
6 weeks before
- Continue to advertise your colour run.
- Purchase food
- Book your DJ
4 weeks before
- Apply for a TEN licence if you’re planning on serving alcohol
- Ask a PE teacher if they’re willing to host a warm-up session on the day, or book a fitness instructor
- Confirm your designated first aiders are still available and make
alternative arrangements if they aren’t
2 weeks before
- Order colour powder
- Finalise your participant numbers
- Confirm your volunteers
- Work out your volunteer rotas
1 week before
- Make signs for the toilets, First Aid, refreshments, bar and food
- Make your final checks and put together the essentials (bin bags, cash float etc.)
- Review your risk assessment
On the day
- Get ready to see some rainbows!
- Check you have all the equipment and supplies you need before holding a
briefing with your volunteers - Distribute your colour powder, slime/water and drinking water/juice cartons to the relevant stations
- Make sure volunteers know the rules about throwing colour powder and slime/water, and give all your volunteers protective clothing to wear
- Hand out certificates and medals at the finish line — you did it!
More info
For a comprehensive toolkit, check out our ultimate PTA guide to colour runs — it contains absolutely everything you’ll need to run an amazing event, plus it’s completely free to members!
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