“People feel good whenever they’re doing something together. They feel unified, and this race brings people together and is a really great way to build good memories.” - Deborah Northcott

Deborah Northcott is the co-founder and director of Real Humanitarian, and hosted the first Colour Run in 2014. 

After over a decade, the fundraising event continues to see families and friend groups running through a rainbow of colour on the trail. Food grade certified and gluten-free coloured powder is thrown into the air throughout the race, painting a vibrant canvas onto racers. 

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, the Colour Run will begin at the Visitor Information Centre and will weave throughout the coulees with slight inclines. Beautiful views of Paradise Valley Golf Course and Medicine Hat coulees are found along the paved pathway, while a DJ plays music and keeps the energy high.

“It’s a lot of fun — you have colour tossed at you, and at the end everyone is given a packet of coloured powder to toss themselves,” says Northcott. “People feel good whenever they’re doing something together. They feel unified, and this race brings people together and is a really great way to build good memories.”

The Colour Run is hosted in partnership with the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival in 2025. Both bring colour to the city in new ways. While people wait for flights in the morning and evening, they can participate in this event that’s also happening in the city. 

Find more details or sign up for The Colour Run here.

Prizes are awarded at the end of the event and sponsors can get in on the fun with a trophy awarded for best colour station as voted on by the participants. Hues for Humanity is a fun way to support Real Humanitarian’s educational support programs for at-risk children in developing nations, while enjoying time with family and friends. By participating as a sponsor of the Hues for Humanity event you will become an integral part of helping these children build their lives. 100% of the profits earned from Hues for Humanity events are used to support Real Humanitarian’s education, health and empowerment initiatives around the world. Each year Real Humanitarian provides educational, medical, and social-emotional support to over 1000 youth through their programs and partners in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Guatemala.