How Much Does a Colour Run Cost? A Complete UK Price Guide
Thinking about organising a colour run but wondering how much it’s going to cost?
Good news! A colour run doesn’t need a huge budget to be a huge success. In fact, the colour powder alone can cost as little as £1.92 per participant (excluding VAT), based on 400g per person.
Whether you’re planning a school colour run, PTA fundraiser or charity event, we’ve broken down the costs to help you plan.
From colour powder to medals, sunglasses and individual sachets for the big finish, here’s what you can expect to spend.
How Much Colour Powder Do You Need for a Colour Run?
This is probably the question we get asked the most frequently. You want enough powder to create those brilliant clouds, but you don’t want to order more than you need.
Based on 400g of colour powder per participant, using 5kg bags at £24 each (excluding VAT). Delivery charges are not included.
| Participants | Powder Required | 5kg Bags | Cost (ex. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 20kg | 4 | £96 |
| 100 | 40kg | 8 | £192 |
| 150 | 60kg | 12 | £288 |
| 200 | 80kg | 16 | £384 |
| 250 | 100kg | 20 | £480 |
| 300 | 120kg | 24 | £576 |
| 400 | 160kg | 32 | £768 |
| 500 | 200kg | 40 | £960 |
These quantities are a guide rather than a fixed rule. Your course length, number of colour stations and how generously the powder is thrown will all make a difference.
For smaller events, 4 or 5 well-placed colour stations can work brilliantly. Larger events may benefit from additional stations to spread the colour throughout the route.
Our top tip is to give each station a different colour – not only does this make for impressive photos, but participants can see themselves getting more colourful as they work their way around the course.
Colour Run Packages: How Much Should You Budget?
Colour powder really is the star of the show, but a few extras can make your event feel even more special.
Below you will see four example packages to suit different budgets – All prices are based on Ministry of Colours products and exclude VAT.
| Package | What’s Included | 100 People | 250 People | 500 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | 400g colour powder per person (bulk 5kg bags) | £192 | £480 | £960 |
| Big Finish | 400g powder + 100g sachet per person | £267 | £655 | £1,285 |
| With Sunglasses | 400g powder + sunglasses per person | £302 | £755 | £1,510 |
| Ultimate | 400g powder + 100g sachet + sunglasses + medal per person | £477 | £1,180 | £2,335 |
All prices exclude VAT and are based on Ministry of Colours product prices.
The 100g sachets are additional to the 400g powder allowance.
Prices may change and exclude any applicable delivery charges.
Even our Ultimate package costs less than £5 per participant before VAT. That’s the colour powder, sunglasses, colour run medal and individual 100g bag of colour for a spectacular final colour throw.
What Other Costs Should You Consider?
Depending on your event, you may also need to budget for venue hire, insurance, first aid, refreshments and entertainment.
Schools, PTAs and charities can often keep costs down by using their own grounds. recruiting volunteers and asking local businesses for help.
Can You Make Money from a Colour Run?
Absolutely! Colour runs can be fantastic fundraisers for schools, PTAs and charities.
For example, a school colour run with 250 participants paying £10 each would generate £2,500 in entry fees.
Using our Essential example, the colour powder would cost just £576 including VAT, leaving £1,924 before other event expenses.
Add sponsorship, donations and refreshments, and there’s even more opportunity to boost your fundraising total!
Want to make your event even more profitable? Read our guide to Making Colour Run Events Profitable for PTAs and Schools.
Ready to Plan Your Colour Run?
Whether you’re expecting 50 or 500 participants, we’re here to help you put the FUN into Fundraising!
At Ministry of Colours, we’re known for supplying authentic, high quality colour powders, medals, sunglasses and all the accessories you need to make your event a colourful success!
Shop Colour Run Powder & Accessories
Prices are illustrative, exclude VAT unless stated otherwise and may change. Additional event costs and delivery charges may apply.