The Orange County Great Park in Irvine hosted the inaugural SoCal 5K Color Run on Sunday, April 22 with proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County. Boasted as being less about the speed of the runner, but rather the experience of crazy colored goodness with friends and family, the event invited participants of all ages, shapes, sizes and speeds.

Click here to see photos from the first annual Color Run.

This was the only Southern California date and it sold out, with 12,000-plus runners in attendance. Veteran runners circled the course multiple times, as evident by their already color-clad bodies at the starting line, while groups of friends and families (and their dogs) took the course at a more leisurely pace, often stopping for pictures.

I, myself, partook in the festivities as a veteran walker. I was hesitant about going, but it was a blast. My friends and I took our time, lingering at each color station to roll around in excess color and even dance if there was music playing. The next run will be held November 3, 2012, in San Diego.

By Diana Le, for OrangeCounty.com.

Photos by Mindy Schauer, the Orange County Register and Diana Le.

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