Despite the ominous grey clouds overhead, 5,000 runners enjoyed a morning full of vibrant colors this Sunday.

The Color Run, known as “the happiest 5k on the planet,” came to Washington D.C. May 19. The run was not a race; the goal was to finish covered in color. One of The Color Run’s many slogans was that runners should “sweat rainbows.”

At four “color zones” throughout the 5k, staff members sprayed and runners threw colored powder made of cornstarch and food coloring. Participants, who were encouraged to wear white, were given bags of color before the race. Loud music, dancing and more “color throws” greeted runners at the finish line. By the end, participants were drenched in pink, orange, yellow and blue.

In addition to sneakers, runners wore eccentric tutus, wigs, costumes and sunglasses to demonstrate their enthusiasm and add to the spirited atmosphere.

Participant James Johnson, 51, sported butterfly wings in support of his team, which he called Team Butterfly Effect. He said his favorite part of the race was the environment.

“Everyone is really nice,” Joanne Bella, 37, agreed. “It doesn’t matter if you know them or not, they’re giving you high fives and hugs.”

Bella said she also enjoyed running through the “color throws.”

“Coming out looking like a Smurf exploded on you is crazy,” she said.

Junior Michele Sandler said she preferred the “last color zone” of the race.

“Everyone was going nuts,” she said.

The Color Run organization sponsors running events all over the country, and partners with a different local charity in each location. The Color Run will donate some of the profits from this weekend’s run at the National Harbor to the Children’s National Medical Center.

Sixteen-year-old Juliana Pyo’s main motivation for running was to get exercise.

“It looked really fun, I just need to get fit, so this is a good way, I guess,” she said.

Anyone could partake in the event regardless of speed, experience or level of fitness. Participants could run or walk solo or in teams. The route was set so those who wished to run stayed to the left side of the path, and walkers were on the right. This way, participants could choose their speed without getting in the way of others.

“Our overall goal for the Color Run was to be able to include everybody,” marketing team leader Tazia Wootton said.“We have all shapes and sizes, all ages.”

Wootton said she enjoyd when participants danced and threw color at the end of the run.

“We basically celebrated life and happiness all in one,” she said.