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The Color Run Ypsilanti: Party atmosphere overtakes city as 15,000 dash through streets

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Participants get doused with color during The Color Run in Ypsilanti Saturday.

Daniel J. Brenner | AnnArbor.com

Bonnie and Ed Penet watched Saturday morning as people of all shapes and sizes doused in a kaleidoscope of colors crossed the finish line at The Color Run in Ypsilanti.

The Penets didn't have to go far. The run ends in Riverside Park, a stone's throw from their home.

"Last year our house was pink, and this year it will be blue," said Bonnie Penet with a smile. "This run is great for morale and for businesses."

Smiles were abundant just about everywhere in Ypsilanti Saturday as the city was awash with color and abuzz with people enjoying The Color Run. This was the second year for the event, which drew an estimated 15,000 participants and an untold number of spectators.

Parking spaces were almost nonexistent, but that was of little consequence. It was a day for walking and running, and the mood was definitely upbeat.

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Runners celebrate in Riverside Park after The Color Run in Ypsilanti Saturday.

"People come for the weekend and it's good for downtown retail stores and restaurants," said Ed Penet. Penet and his wife own MIX, the Michigan Avenue store that sells new and used clothing and accessories.

Runners were treated to music, food vendors, and a very festive atmosphere.

Runners must wear white shirts at the start of the race and must be covered in colors by the end of the 5K course. Each kilometer has a designated color, and runners got blitzed with colors by volunteers as they ran through various color run zones.

"This was just an enjoyable run," said participant Hadear Miho from Farmington.

"You get good exercise and can dress up," said Emily Malinowski, a participant from Northville, who said she plans to do it again next year.

So does a trio of tutu-wearing. Jen Peruski of Midland, Amber Rimkus of St. Claire Shores and TIna Dzikowski of Eastpointe said the event was awesome and added color to their day.

"You've got to have fun in life," said Rimkus.

Spectators also got in on the fun. "I"m here to support a friend who's running," said Sharon Maxfield from Northville, who was literally supporting her friend's baby on her back and her own baby in front.

Robert Schamberger was poised with his camera waiting for his wife to run by. They came to the race from Adrian along with sons Jacob, 7, and Luke, 2.

At its Ypsilanti debut last year, The Color Run brought in close to $2 million in visitor spending, said Debbie Locke-Daniel, executive director of the Ypsilanti Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"We have the same number of runners this year, but we think it's bigger because we're pushing harder and offering specials at restaurants," said Locke-Daniel. "We estimate about 1,200 hotel room nights from visitors coming from more than 100 miles away."

Many of the city's businesses opened earlier than usual. Among them was the Tower Inn Cafe on Cross Street.

"Business is good for a Saturday morning," said employee Matt Tatosky. "So far today I haven't had a table that hasn't ordered beer."

At the Ugly Mug Cafe on Cross Street, there was a line to the door all morning.

"We're selling a lot of coffee, water, and bagel sandwiches," said general manager Eric Mullins. "We would push for doing more stuff like this"

Race participant Oren Sagher from Ann Arbor had just one complaint. "I just wish the race were longer," he said. "I hardly had time to warm up!"

Lisa Carolin is a freelance reporter for AnnArbor.com. Contact the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.


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