WASHINGTON -- For most, it wasn't the first time they put themselves through an early-morning run. But a trip filled with color-dodging quickly replaced the sleep in their eyes.
Saturday morning's Color Run MLB All-Star 5K presented by Nike provided an enjoyable experience for participants. The route for the 8 a.m. ET event took runners -- many from in or around Washington, D.C. -- from the home-plate gate of Nationals Park over the bordering Anacostia River and back ... and throwing distance from the brand new stadium for Major League Soccer's D.C. United.
"It's a great [opportunity] to see D.C. in a different way," said participant Michael Hackbarth of Burke, Va., who made the 5K a family affair.
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In honor of the run's theme of superheroes, many of the participants donned capes, masks and the apparel of their favorite superhero. Others were clad in a manner reflecting their personal flair and style, including tutus, unicorn horns and alien antennas.
"My favorite part is the individuality," said Katie Morrison, marketing manager at Bigsley Event House, who put on the event. "People get really into it. ... It's really fun to see people express their personality.
"It's always a lot of work, but we have thousands of smiling faces here at 'The Happiest 5K on the Planet.'"
Participants enjoyed the chance to run in the shadow of their favorite baseball team's stadium and through Anacostia Park during its 100th anniversary. Along the way, runners were blasted by volunteers with various colors -- blue, yellow, pink, red -- making each participant's handout white shirt look like a Jackson Pollock painting by race's end.

"More excitement in a beautiful area," runner Cynthia Turner said of how her fourth time competing in a Color Run compared with the previous three.
Ryan Graves, who brought his daughter, Madison, to her first Color Run, will head to Tuesday's All-Star Game presented by MasterCard -- an event he's been anticipating since it was announced D.C. would host the Midsummer Classic. With events like Saturday's Color Run, he's been awed by what he's seen in his hometown's build-up to the game.
"We've been waiting two years for [the All-Star Game]," Graves said. "We come down to all the Nats games -- and just the last few years how much [the D.C. baseball scene has] grown up has been amazing."

While watching the 2018 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard live on FOX on Tuesday, fans can submit their choices for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet with the 2018 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote.
The 89th Midsummer Classic, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., will be televised nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS; and worldwide by partners in more than 180 countries. FOX Deportes will provide Spanish-language coverage in the United States, while ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.
For more information about MLB All-Star Week and to purchase tickets, visit AllStarGame.com and follow @MLB and @AllStarGame on social media.