When summer hits the UK, the colour run season bursts into full swing. These joyful events, where participants are showered with coloured powder as they jog, walk or dance their way along 5K routes, have become a vibrant staple of the British summer calendar.

Whether someone is new and wondering what a colour run is or an experienced participant looking to elevate their game with a small portable generator, this guide offers the ultimate rundown of the best events, preparation tips, and small generators to stay powered throughout the fun.

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Top UK Colour Runs & Colourburst Events (Summer 2025)

Summer 2025 is set to be brighter, bolder and more colourful than ever, with a fantastic lineup of colour run and colourburst events happening across the UK. These joyful 5K experiences are perfect for families, charity supporters and fitness lovers who want to combine movement with fun, all while raising money for great causes.

That being said, here’s a look at what a colour run is, along with the must-attend UK colour runs lighting up the calendar this summer.

The Basics: What is a Colour Run?

Let’s first look at the basics. A colour run is a non-competitive running event that turns a standard 5K into a celebration of colour, community and charity. Participants begin the marathon dressed in white and pass through numerous colour stations where volunteers toss eco-friendly, plant-based powdered paint. By the time they cross the finish line, they’re a walking rainbow, usually smiling from ear to ear.

Colour runs, inspired by India’s Holi Festival, combine fitness and fun while typically benefiting charitable causes. These events are accessible to people of all ages and fitness abilities, with a focus on having fun rather than finishing in time.

On that note, let’s take a look at some of the upcoming runs in the UK. 

#1. Blackpool Colour Run – July 19 – Starr Gate Beach, Blackpool

Start the season with the legendary beach event that combines fun, fitness and coastal vibes. The Blackpool Colour Run is a popular event for good reason: participants run or walk along the sandy Starr Gate Beach while bright bursts of colour fly overhead. Expect a lively atmosphere filled with music, shouting fans and incredible photo opportunities. Whether you’re a local or visiting for a weekend escape, this is one of the most scenic and lively events in the UK.

#2. Wye Valley Tunnel Run – Colourburst Option – July 20 – Gloucestershire

The Wye Valley Tunnel Run isn’t your typical 5K. This one-of-a-kind race has the Colourburst option, which transforms ancient railway tunnels into immersive hallways of light, music and powder. Runners will be met with multicoloured clouds and energetic beats as they power through tunnels built into the hills. It’s a holistic experience that combines nature, history and colour in one exciting day.

#3. 5K Colour Run – Hampshire Hospitals Charity – August 2 – Harewood Forest, Wherwell, SP11 7JN

Run for a cause in this charity-focused colour run set in the lush Harewood Forest. Hosted by the Hampshire Hospitals Charity, this event raises important funds for local healthcare while offering runners a fun, family-friendly experience. The trail winds through shaded forest paths, with enthusiastic volunteers showering participants in every shade of the rainbow. It’s perfect for all fitness levels and a great way to support the NHS.

#4. The Great Withernsea Colour Walk/Jog – Colour Madness – August 2 – Withernsea, East Yorkshire

This relaxing colour walk/jog is ideal for people who prefer a slower pace. Participants can walk, jog or dance their way around Withernsea, focusing on inclusion over intensity, while experiencing colourful bursts at each checkpoint. This event is ideal for children, adults, grandparents and everyone in between, demonstrating that you don’t have to run to have a good time.

#5. Two Tunnels Railway Races – Colourburst – August 17 – Bath, Somerset

End the summer on a high note with Bath’s Two Tunnels Colourburst event. This race is famous for its stunning location, with participants passing through repurposed railway tunnels as colour clouds and lights transform the route into a high-energy celebration. This one-of-a-kind running experience in the UK is distinguished by its blend of architecture, nature and colour.

What to Bring to a Colour Run

As we know, a colour run is all about having fun, getting active and embracing the chaos of flying coloured powder. But a little preparation goes a long way toward making the day even more enjoyable. Whether running solo, as a group or with the whole family, knowing what to wear and what to pack can make the experience smoother, more comfortable, and mess-free (well, almost).

#1. What to Wear

White T-shirt

Wearing white is essentially a colour-run tradition. It serves as the ideal canvas for all those brilliant powder explosions, making each photo even more spectacular. Many events give an official race t-shirt, but bringing your own is recommended, especially if you want to keep the colourful shirt as a souvenir.

Sunglasses or Goggles

With all that powder flying around, eye protection is essential. Sunglasses are excellent for protecting the eyes from dust and keeping the sun at bay. Goggles are an excellent alternative for younger children and people with sensitive eyes.

Comfortable Shoes

Expect to walk or run at least 5K, so wear supportive footwear. Choose older sneakers that can withstand a little staining. That said, many athletes designate a “colour run pair” for events like this. Avoid anything too fresh or valuable.

#2. What to Pack 

Towels

Bring a couple of towels to remove extra powder after the run. A quick towel-off before getting inside the car will help minimise coloured dust from spreading around.

Water Bottles

Hydration is essential, especially in the hot sun. Carry reusable water bottles to stay hydrated before, during and after your run.

Wet Wipes

Wet wipes are a colour-run saviour. They are ideal for quick clean-ups of hands and faces, as well as accidental spills, when soap and water are unavailable. These are also perfect for individuals wanting to know how to get colour out of clothes easily. 

A Clean Change of Clothes

After the fun, it’s a good idea to have clean clothes ready. Changing before heading home helps protect car seats from stains and keeps everyone more comfortable.

#3. For Families

Snacks

If the kids are coming, bring plenty of easy-to-carry food. Colour runs can be exciting and exhausting, so a fast energy boost is always appreciated.

Hats and Sunscreen

Sun protection is vital, especially for summer activities. Pack wide-brimmed hats and apply sunblock liberally.

Foldable Chairs or Picnic Rugs

Make sure to bring compact seating options to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. They are great for post-run picnics, too.

 

Stay Powered in the Outdoors

A colour run may only take a few kilometres to complete, but the day itself is packed with fun, movement and memorable moments, so staying powered can make a big difference. 

Whether you’re snapping photos, blasting music, keeping snacks cool or helping out at a booth, having a reliable power source on hand will make your colour run experience more convenient, enjoyable and stress-free.

That said, here’s how staying powered outdoors elevates every part of the day:

Charging Phones for Photos and Videos

Let’s be honest, half the fun of a colour run is capturing the moment. From the starting line to the final explosion of colour at the finish, there are endless opportunities to take amazing photos and videos. But all that media creation can quickly drain a phone battery.

Bringing a portable power bank ensures you don’t miss a single moment. Keep your phone charged so you can broadcast your run, take selfies with your friends and capture every powder-filled chuckle along the way. It’s especially beneficial if you’re coming with a group and want to remain in touch or coordinate with friends during the event.

Powering Portable Speakers or Fans During Breaks

Whether you’re waiting for a wave to start or relaxing after a run, having access to some entertainment and comfort makes a big difference. Portable speakers can enhance the atmosphere by allowing you to listen to your favourite music with friends. Or, if it’s a hot summer day, a small USB-powered fan can offer much-needed relief from the heat.

A compact portable generator, such as the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, is suitable for powering these additions. It’s lightweight, portable and keeps the good times going during every break.

Keeping Coolers Running for Snacks and Drinks

Colour runs are active events, so staying hydrated and nourished is essential. If you’re taking a cooler with drinks, fruit or other perishables, having a power station to keep it going is a huge advantage. No more heated water bottles or soggy sandwiches, only cold refreshments when they’re needed the most.

This is especially important for families or parties organising a post-run picnic, as well as those attending the event for the entire day.

Supporting Event Booths with Light Electrical Loads

Portable power can be extremely beneficial for volunteers, vendors and charitable teams. Need to power a card reader, LED lights or keep a laptop charged? A compact, silent portable generator is the ideal tool for keeping things operating smoothly without access to main electricity.

That said, Jackery’s outdoor-ready power solutions make it simple to stay charged, connected and comfortable, no matter where the day leads you.

Jackery for Outdoor Energy

When it comes to powering your day at a colour run or any outdoor event, Jackery stands out as the go-to name for reliable, portable energy. From charging devices to running small appliances, Jackery’s line of portable power stations ensures that staying connected and comfortable is easier than ever, even in the middle of a field, beach or forest. Here’s a closer look at two of Jackery’s top models ideal for colour run days:

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station, which is compact, lightweight and solar-ready, is ideal for casual runners, families or small groups seeking power without bulk. This unit is tiny enough to be carried in one hand but powerful enough to charge many devices at once.

With USB-C, USB-A and AC output connectors, it can power smartphones, portable fans, Bluetooth speakers and even a small camera drone all day. It’s excellent for charging phones on the move, listening to music during breaks or topping up power banks as needed.

Its solar compatibility also makes it ideal for longer events, since users can recharge straight from the sun using Jackery’s SolarSaga panels.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station

For individuals who require a little more power, such as families staying for the day, sellers or charity stall operators, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station is the perfect option. It can handle heavier loads, such as coolers and lights, laptops and tiny projectors, while remaining silent and environmentally friendly.

With a bigger battery capacity and a variety of outlet types, it can power many devices simultaneously, making it ideal for booth settings or group campers on event grounds. And, because of Jackery’s rugged design, it can handle the elements with ease.

How Jackery Enhances Event-Day Convenience

Jackery portable power stations take the stress out of outdoor planning. No more worrying about low-battery cellphones, overheating drinks or being unable to accept donations or payments at a stall. Everything stays powered, organised and efficient.

And with whisper-quiet operation and zero emissions, Jackery units won’t disrupt the colourful atmosphere; they just quietly keep everything running behind the scenes. Whether you’re racing, relaxing or running an event, Jackery helps keep the energy high in every way.

 

Conclusion 

Whether someone is running for fun, volunteering at a station or simply soaking in the atmosphere, being well-prepared can make all the difference. 

Jackery’s portable power stations are quiet, efficient and ready for any adventure, making them the perfect addition to the UK colour run experience. 

Want to get started? Explore their line of portable power banks and solar-powered gear, all designed with adventure in mind. Visit Jackery UK to find the perfect power companion for any colour run this summer.