San MateoColor 5K
Run · Walk · Get Blasted with Color
Race Day Countdown
The Most Colorful 5K in the Bay Area
Now in its 5th year, the San Mateo Color 5K is the Bay Area's most vibrant, joyful, and inclusive community run, hosted by the Rotary Club of Peninsula Starlight. It will be held on the beautiful College of San Mateo campus. Whether you're chasing a personal record or just chasing colored powder — you belong here.
Color Stations
Get drenched in vibrant, environmentally safe colored powder at various color stations along the route.
Community Spirit
Join hundreds of runners, walkers, and color lovers for a morning of joy and laughter in San Mateo.
All Ages & Abilities
No timing pressure — walk, jog, or run at your own pace. It's all about the experience and good vibes. Kids 7 and under are free — just show up with them.
Epic Photo Ops
Wear your white Color 5K t-shirt and leave looking like a living rainbow. Every step is an Instagram-worthy moment.
Charities We Support
Every registration and every step you take helps make a difference. Proceeds from the San Mateo Color 5K benefit the following organizations:
The Alzheimer's Association
The leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support, and research — funding critical advances and providing local support to those affected.
The San Mateo-Foster City School District
Supporting quality education for all students across the San Mateo and Foster City communities, investing in the next generation of leaders.
The Rotary Club of Peninsula Starlight Foundation
The community foundation behind the San Mateo Color 5K, dedicated to local and international service, fellowship, and creating positive change.
Run for a reason.
Your participation directly supports these three amazing organizations in our community.
Ready to Run Through a Rainbow?
Grab your spot now — spaces fill up fast! Lace up, wear white, and get ready for the most colorful 5K of your life.
Date
June 7, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM PT
Event
5K Run/Walk
Don't wait—save $5! Register early and score a discount before prices go up. Early registration ends April 26, 2026, so lock in your spot today!
Want your correct t-shirt size? Register before May 24, 2026 — correct sizing is not guaranteed after that date.
Registration open at runtheday.com
Pre-Race Day Packet Pickup
Skip the lines! Pick up your race bib, t-shirt, and color packet before race day to skip the morning rush and enjoy a smoother start.
Your Race Packet Includes
Race bib • White Color 5K commemorative t-shirt • Goodies • Color powder packets • Event info & course map
Sports Basement
202 Walnut St, Redwood City, CA 94063
Friday, June 5
June 5, 2026
Saturday, June 6
June 6, 2026
Race Day Pickup Available
Packets can also be picked up on race morning at the College of San Mateo starting at 7:30 AM. We recommend pre-race pickup to ensure a faster check-in experience on June 7.
Race Day Timeline
Sunday, June 7, 2026
College of San Mateo
1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd · San Mateo, CA
Packet Pickup & Check-In Opens
Pre-RacePick up your race bib, event t-shirt, and color packet. Head to the registration tent.
Warm-Up & Opening Ceremony
Pre-RaceJoin our race MC for a group warm-up, music, and an energizing kick-off to get everyone pumped up.
5K Run/Walk Start
RaceThe official gun goes off! Hit the course and brace for your first color station just around the bend.
Color Stations Along the Route
Race5 vibrant color stations spread throughout the 5K course — prepare to get absolutely covered in color!
Finish Line Celebration
Post-RaceCross the finish line and join the post-race color party. Music, cheers, and group color tosses await!
Color Festival
Post-RaceEnjoy the festivities, snap photos, and celebrate our 5th annual milestone together as a community.
See the Color Come Alive
From the starting line to the finish line party — every moment is a memory waiting to be made.
Your best color photos await on June 7, 2026
Join the Fun — Register NowThank You to Our Sponsors
The 5th Annual San Mateo Color 5K is made possible through the generous support of our incredible sponsors. Their commitment helps make this event fabulous, fun, and colorful for our entire community.
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Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
Join our family of sponsors and show your support for the San Mateo community. Contact the Rotary Club of Peninsula Starlight to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Contact Us About SponsorshipGot Questions?
Everything you need to know before race day.
The San Mateo Color 5K is a fun run/walk event where participants are showered with vibrant, non-toxic color powder at various stations along a 5-kilometer course. Now in its 5th annual edition, it's San Mateo's most colorful community race!
The race takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM PT. The event will be held on the beautiful campus of the College of San Mateo. Check-in and packet pickup begin at 7:30 AM. Exact venue address will be provided upon registration confirmation.
Absolutely! This is a non-competitive event open to all paces and abilities. Walk, jog, or run — the goal is simply to have fun and get colorful. Strollers and leashed pets are also welcome.
We strongly recommend wearing white or light-colored clothing so the colors show up brilliantly. Clothes will get stained — so wear something you don't mind getting messy! Wear closed-toe shoes for comfort on the course. You will receive a white Color 5K commemorative T-shirt included with your timely registration.
Yes! The color powder used is non-toxic, cornstarch-based, and skin-safe. It washes off skin easily with soap and water, and most clothing will wash clean as well. Those with respiratory sensitivities may want to wear a mask at color stations.
You can register online at runtheday.com/register/501981. Click the 'Register Now' button on this page to be taken directly to the registration form. Spots are limited, so we encourage early sign-up!
There is no minimum age requirement! Children of all ages are welcome — younger children should be accompanied by a registered adult participant. Family groups are encouraged and celebrate this community event together.
Yes! After crossing the finish line, stick around for our Color Festival from 10:00–11:00 AM. Enjoy group color tosses, music, vendor booths, and community celebrations to mark our 5th annual milestone.
Still have questions?
Visit the official race page on RunTheDay for the latest updates and full race details.
Visit Race Page