The torrential rain that has been pounding Guangdong recently picked a inopportune time to begin falling: it was on March 29 when Shenzhen’s first-ever Color Run was being held. Previously planned for an earlier date, this event has been billed as “the most fun 5 km ever!”

While many of the estimated 10,000 participants from both the expat and local community persevered to keep up their spirits, the elements would have the last say. While the throwing of colored powered would continue as seen in other Color Runs, the downpour would reduce the participants to “drowned rats“, as reported by China Daily. Photos: Nandu.com, s1979 (1, 2), hxbo.com,