The Color Run is here to allay the fears of anyone who thinks the term ‘fun run’ was designed to con the unwary into lung-busting physical exertion. Marrying the beauty of Guanabara Bay with paint-flinging messiness, the emphasis of the 5km 'race' couldn’t be further from the need for speed in the first event of its kind in Brazil.

Already a hit in the US, the idea is straightforward enough. Every kilometre along the course is a different coloured paint station, where volunteers are armed with enough of the stuff to completely cover the hundreds of competitors, culminating in a monstrous rainbow shower at the finishing line. White shirts and a sense of humour are the only pre-requisites, and competitors less keen on full coverage are advised to stick to the middle to avoid the worst of the barrage. But that would be somewhat missing the point.

The route makes full use of the Sunday closure of Avenida Infante Dom Henrique next to Flamengo Park. Starting at Marina da Glória, running south as far as Rua Cruz Lima and then back up to the starting point, the riot of colour at the end will take even the most puffed-out runners forget their racing pulse.