T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY A Color Blaze Run participant empties a packet of powdered color on others Saturday shortly before the start of the event on South Center Street near the Marshall County Courthouse. The 5K non-competitive run held during the annual Oktemberfest Festival also offered an optional one mile route. Participants could run or walk

The emptying of colored powder packets on runners brought out shrieks of delight from youth and adults alike at Oktemberfest’s new Color Blaze Fun Run Saturday.

With blues, greens and red powder flying through the air, some attendees resembled running or walking rainbows as they started the 5K (3.33 miles) or optional one-mile routes. The multi-colored group headed south on South Center Street breifly before taking a left on Church Street and past the Marshall County Courthouse.

The Color Blaze replaced the Kid’s Fun Run, typically held the first night of Oktemberfest, and the adult competitive 5K-10K event held later.

“We incorporated Color Blaze since Oktemberfest is a family-friendly festival,” said Oktemberfest President Jennifer Hart. “We want kids to participate with their parents.”

Indeed there were a lot of kids running with parents and many strollers too, ready and able before the 1 p.m. start.

Tiana Bolar, 18, of Marshalltown said she was excited to be participating with her grandmother, Bettie Bolar, also of Marshalltown.

“We wanted to participate in a Des Moines Color Run, but we missed it,” said Tiana, who is on the Marshalltown Community College volleyball team.

It looks like a good crowd,” said Bettie, who said she would do the one-mile option walk/run.

Online registrations were encouraged, but for a nominal fee, event organizers allowed same day sign-up. Registration included a Color Blaze T-shirt, a color packet, sun glasses, sticker and more.