Organisers of the Swisse Color Run around the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin on Sunday say within two hours of the event people won't even know it's been there.
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About 3000 kilograms of coloured powder will be showered on 12,000 runners on the day, turning their all-white outfits - and themselves - into moving rainbows.
Runners will pass through four colour zones on the five kilometre route - pink, blue, yellow and orange - where volunteers will throw the colours at them by hand or with squirter bottles.
It's billed as "the happiest 5km on the planet". The run is not timed and participants are asked to follow only two rules - wear white at the starting line and "finish plastered with colour".
Organisers say the coloured powder is made from 100 per cent "natural and safe food-grade corn starch".
Color Run managing director Graeme Hannan said it was "careful in selecting the course location in Canberra" and had worked closely with the National Capital Authority to "ensure that our colour zones are positioned away from the lake and Robert Menzies Walk".
"The coloured powder is gone about two hours after the event closes thanks to a refined clean up effort. We use a combination of backpack blowers, volunteer sweepers, road sweepers and high-pressure cleaning machines to leave the event site looking as if we weren't even there," Mr Hannan said.
The run starts at 8am on Sunday from Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park. It will run parallel to Parkes Way, turn near Kings Park and return back into the heart of Commonwealth Park for the finish.
"Despite the event being a sell-out, people of Canberra are welcome to come along on Sunday and check out all the fun of the Finish Festival after the race, from 9am onwards," Mr Hannan said. "There will be mass colour throws and music for families and friends alike to enjoy."
The Color Run also supports local charities. The Canberra Hospital Foundation will be the primary beneficiary of the Canberra run. Hartley Lifecare and the Australian National Committee for UN Women have also been selected to benefit.
You can see all the photos from the Color Run in Canberra at canberratimes.com.au after the race on Sunday morning.
