Rave at the racetrack

They go by many names, from the Color Run to Warrior Dash — themed 5K races that employ fun twists and crazy attire to attract participants outside of the traditional running scene.

While many of these races only stop in major cities during their tours across the county, come June, Newton will play host to the latest of such events to emerge: the Electric Run.

On June 15, runners will converge on the Iowa Speedway at 9:10 p.m. as the sun sets for a visually stunning 3.1-mile race shrouded in electric light displays synced with a DJ.

According to electricrun.com, the race is “a 5K run, a show, participation art, and celebration of life.” Participants can plan on experiencing glowing arches changing color in tempo, colored fountains dancing to the beat and tunnels of light created by a rainbow of lasers as they navigate the course, which concludes at the finish line with a dance party that extends into the evening.

Although the event is based around a traditional 5K race, according to the web site, runners will not be timed as to allow them to focus on the experience; thus, walkers, children and runners with strollers are welcome as well.

“We want to do more than produce another running event,” founder Dan Hill said in a press release. “We want to create a show and an experience that will take peoples breath away. Something that is different, and grander than anyone has ever experienced.”

While much of the planning — including the race route and lighting displays, which are specific to each city's course — has yet to be finalized, runners may register for the race at www.electricrun.com/desmoines.

Staff writer Nicole Wiegand may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 422, or at nwiegand@newtondailynews.com.