Color Dust Information

Yes. School-A-Thon’s color run powder is biodegradable and not harmful to wildlife or vegetation when used as directed. Because School-A-Thon events use a relatively small amount of powder, the environmental impact is minimal. After the event, schools can use leaf blowers to clear excess powder from walkways and help prevent it from being tracked into buildings. For larger events held on public property, check with local officials for any cleanup requirements or ordinances that may apply.

Yes. School-A-Thon’s color run powder is made from cornstarch and FD&C and/or D&C colorants approved for use in foods, cosmetics, and drugs. The powder is non-toxic, biodegradable, and not classified as hazardous under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). As with any fine powder, participants should avoid getting it in their eyes or inhaling it. Testing data sheets are available for each color.

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.

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.

School-A-Thon’s color run powder has been tested for flammability and meets applicable U.S. and EU standards. We have had zero fire-related incidents and are committed to helping schools host safe, successful Color-A-Thons. For the best experience, we recommend following the event safety guidelines provided with every fundraiser.

Color run powder is very fine and can settle on electronics during the event. If you plan to use a phone, camera, or other electronic device, we recommend protecting it with a sealed plastic bag or waterproof case. For the clearest photos and videos, many participants choose to capture the festivities before the event begins or after the final Color Blast.

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.

The amount of color dust for your color run 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!