MLB, The Color Run team up for All-Star 5K charity race

MINNEAPOLIS -- Major League Baseball and the Twins are teaming up to host the inaugural The Color Run MLB All-Star 5K presented by Nike on Sunday, July 13, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights as part of the festivities of All-Star Week.

The Color Run is an untimed race in which participants are doused in different colored powder at each kilometer. The course is All-Star themed and will feature appearances by MLB legends, mascots and other special guests.

After the race, which raises money for charity and is open to all ages, a festival will be held at the fairgrounds, featuring music, contests and prizes.

"The Minnesota Twins are excited about plans for The Color Run MLB All-Star 5K and the fundraising platform it provides for these important charitable partners," said Twins president Dave St. Peter. "This is a tremendous opportunity for thousands of baseball fans across Twins Territory to be active participants in the 2014 All-Star Summer. The Color Run MLB All-Star 5K promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for everyone."

The event is set to raise money for various charities, as MLB will make contributions to Stand Up To Cancer, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Susan G. Komen. The Color Run will also make a contribution to its charitable partner, Camp Kesem, and participants can also make a charitable donation upon registering.

"The Color Run MLB All-Star 5K presented by Nike will give fans in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota a unique opportunity to participate in the All-Star festivities while raising awareness and money for the fight against cancer, a disease that has affected each of us," said Tim Brosnan, MLB executive vice president, business. "Previous All-Star races have been a fun experience for the participants giving fans lasting All-Star memories. The partnership with The Color Run will only enhance the experience for our All-Star guests."

The start-line window opens at 8:30 a.m. with additional waves beginning every few minutes. Registered participants receive a commemorative event T-shirt, headband, bracelet and shoulder bag.

Fans who sign up by June 1 get a discounted price of $45 per person, or $40 if signing up as a group of four or more. Space is limited, so participants are encouraged to sign up early at AllStarGame.com/Run. The All-Star Game has featured races at other cities such as St. Louis (2009), Anaheim ('10), Kansas City ('12) and New York ('13).

But this is the first partnership with The Color Run, which was created in 2012, and is now the single largest event series in the United States. The Color Run, which is also known as the Happiest 5K on the Planet, has hosted more than 170 events in more than 20 countries.

"We are extremely excited to partner with Major League Baseball and Nike for this event in the Twin Cities," said Travis Snyder, CEO of The Color Run. "This partnership will deliver new elements to the event that will make the 'Happiest 5K on the Planet' an even more memorable day for our Color Runners."