Color Dust Information

Color-A-Thon Events Nationwide

Over 2 Million Participants

Outcome: Over $10 Million Raised

Color Powder: A Fun & Safe Way to Celebrate!

At School-A-Thon, we will rock your world with color but never take your health for granted. That’s why we’ve made our color powder safe, non-toxic and completely washable!

Holi History: The Origin of Color Runs

Holi, the ancient Indian Festival of Color, celebrates the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and the harvests to come. It’s the festival of colors, emotions and happiness. And what better way to express yourself than with the vibrant colors of the rainbow?

The thousand-year-old central ritual of Holi is the throwing and applying of colored dust and water on friends and family, thus why it’s often referred to as the “Festival of Colors.” Come Holi, India is painted in mesmerizing hues of blues, yellows, magentas, greens, violets and more. Clouds of colors dancing in the wind carry the message of love and happiness to all who participate in the centuries-old tradition.

In the same spirit of goodwill and celebration, School-A-Thon® presents Color-A-Thon™. This color run fundraiser is a fun and invigorating way to raise money for your school or group that ends with a celebration of music, laughter and the throwing of a whole lot of fun and safe color powder!

Color Dust Information

At School-A-Thon, our corn starch color powder has been tested for both health and flammability purposes. It’s a SAFE and refreshingly FUN way to celebrate a successful school fundraiser.

How to Stay Safe with Our Colored Dust

While color dust is safe and we’ve never had any issues in the past, people with allergies and/or asthma may want to take extra precautions when it comes to the color powder. We suggest any participants with allergies or asthma wear protective masks and/or keep a safe distance from the Color Blast Party and Color Blast Stations during the color run fundraiser. We caution parents to evaluate their child’s tolerance to dust and make appropriate decisions.

For all participants, we suggest that they wear some type of protective eye covering such as glasses or goggles. As part of the Color-A-Thon Prizes and Rewards Program, sunglasses are provided at a very low donation level.

We also recommend that a mask, kerchief or some type of covering over the mouth and nose be used to minimize excessive inhalation of the color dust. If needed, School-A-Thon can provide protective masks at a low cost.

Color Run Ingredients

School-A-Thon takes the health and safety of all of our participants seriously. Our Color Dust is non-toxic, 100% safe and biodegradable. It is not meant for consumption, so you’ll want to keep our color dust out of the eyes and lungs.

Ingredients include corn starch and FD&C and/or D&C colors. The colors are approved for use in foods, cosmetics and drugs. These products are not considered hazardous, 29 CFR 1910-1200. Testing data sheets on each color are available.*

Color Powder Throwing Instructions

Around 25 lbs. of colored dust is sent to each event. Each of the four colors is boxed separately and weighs approximately 6 lbs.

To keep the authentic Holi tradition alive at your color run fundraiser, make sure participants are tossing the contents of their color powder packets into the air and not into the faces of friends and fellow participants.

Color Dust Flammability

At School-A-Thon, we have had zero fire-related incidents and are committed to providing a safe, fun event for schools and groups across the nation. The powder used at our fun school fundraisers has been tested for flammability and successfully passed the required US and EU standards.

As a precaution, we suggest implementing the following safety measures (found below) and protocols at your event to ensure participant safety.

Color Dust Information

Our color dust is not only safe, but it’s also incredibly easy to clean up! Following the color powder explosion at the end of your color run or color blast party, you’ll need to set up a blower station where volunteers can help blow the excess color off of participants.

Our color powder is pretty easy to blow off and wash out, but we have some precautions and tips to make it easier for you. And be sure to check out our color run cleanup guide for a fast and easy after-race cleanup. Of course, if you want to keep your shirt looking just as colorful, you can save the color in your color run shirt too!

Clothing

Usually, our color powder easily washes out after events. To be safe, it’s a great idea to encourage participants to wear their white Color-A-Thon™ T-shirt — it’s not only fun but protects participants’ “good” clothes.

Instruct participants to wear shoes that they won’t mind getting dirty. The Color Dust can be washed out of clothing and shoes, but depending on the type of clothing, how long the dust sits on the clothing and the different methods of washing, cleaning results may vary. Be sure to wash all clothing worn during the color run in a separate load on cold and rinse. If participants would like to preserve the color in their shirt, make sure to spray it with vinegar and iron it.

Environment And Surrounding Buildings

Color-A-Thon events use a minimal amount of color which results in a low environmental impact. While the colored dust is not harmful to wildlife or vegetation, you should use leaf blowers to blow any excess color dust off of walkways to prevent it from being tracked into buildings.

For large amounts of color dust, street sweepers and storm drainage containment services can be used if deemed necessary by your city, park or district officials. We recommend that you contact your local officials for best practices and ordinances.

Hair And Skin

We suggest shaking and blowing off as much color dust as possible before climbing into the shower. Brush hair vigorously to get as much dust out as possible. Then thoroughly wash hair and body with soap and water. Keep in mind that hair may have to be washed twice in order to completely get rid of the color. If hair is lightly colored, we suggest putting in conditioner to “coat” the hair and prevent any discoloration.

Note: If hair does become “colored,” it should wash out after two or three shampoos.

Color Dust and Your Cameras, Phones and other Electronics

Color dust is…well, dust, and thus it can be very evasive. If participants plan on using electronics on event day, make sure to wrap them in plastic and tape them securely. We recommend using cameras before the race and after the color powder explosion.

Color Dust Information/PDF
Color-A-Thon: Health/Safety PDF

​Frequently Asked Questions

DO NOT DELETE
How do you throw color run powder?
During the color run, participants toss small handfuls of color powder into the air at designated color stations or during group color blasts. These moments often create some of the most exciting and colorful parts of the event.
How much color powder do you need for a color run?
The amount of color powder needed depends on the number of participants and color stations planned for the event. School-A-Thon provides approximately 25 pounds of bulk color dust for Color-A-Thon events, helping schools create a colorful experience for students and families.
How much is color run powder?
Color powder is included as part of School-A-Thon’s fundraising package. Schools receive color dust, fundraising materials, donation collection tools, race supplies, and event support together as part of the program.
Where do I buy color run powder?

Schools partnering with School-A-Thon do not need to purchase color run powder separately. The Color-A-Thon fundraiser includes bulk color dust and individual color packs as part of the event package, helping simplify planning and preparation.

Is School-A-Thon color dust environmentally safe?
Yes. School-a-thon’s color dust is biodegradable and not harmful to wildlife or vegetation. After the event, schools may use leaf blowers to clear walkways and clean up areas as needed.
What is color run powder made of?
School-A-Thon’s color run powder is made from corn starch and FD&C and/or D&C coloring. The powder is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it safe for Color-A-Thon events when used as directed.
Does School-A-Thon recommend safety precautions for color dust?
Yes. It is recommended that participants wear eye protection like glasses or goggles during the event. Individuals with allergies or asthma may also want to wear protective masks or avoid standing directly near color stations or the color blast area.
Is color run powder safe to inhale?
Color run powder is non-toxic, but participants should avoid directly inhaling large amounts of powder. Anyone with asthma, allergies, or respiratory sensitivities may want to wear a mask or avoid standing directly near color stations during the event.
Does color run powder wash out?
Yes. Color run powder is designed to wash out of most clothing, hair, and skin with normal cleaning. Brushing off excess powder before washing can help make cleanup easier after the event.
How do you get color run powder off of skin?
Most color run powder can be removed with soap and water after the event. Brushing or shaking off excess powder before showering can help reduce staining and make cleanup easier.
How do you get color run powder out of hair?
Color run powder usually washes out with shampoo and water. Some participants may need to shampoo more than once, depending on hair color and how much powder was used during the event. Applying conditioner before the event may also help reduce temporary staining for lighter hair colors.
Does color run powder stain clothes?
School-A-Thon’s color dust is designed not to stain clothing and typically comes out of clothes after washing. Results can vary depending on the fabric type and how long the powder remains on the material before being cleaned.
Does color run powder stain shoes?
In most cases, color run powder washes out of shoes after cleaning. Some lighter materials may temporarily hold color longer than others, depending on the fabric and how quickly the shoes are cleaned after the event.
How do you make color run powder stay on shirts?
White or light colored cotton shirts tend to hold color powder more visibly during a color run event. Allowing the powder to sit briefly before brushing it off can also help colors remain brighter for photos and event activities.