BANGOR, Maine — For the second time in as many years, a sea of white T-shirts departed the Waterfront in Bangor only to return after five kilometers covered in colored cornstarch.

Between 2,500 and 3,000 runners and walkers participated in the second annual The Color Run to be held in Bangor.

That’s about the same turnout as last year, Tracy Willette, Bangor Parks and Recreation director, said.

Dubbed the “Happiest 5K on the planet,” the run is not timed and has no winners or prizes.

Participants are showered with colored powder made from food-grade corn starch at stations throughout the run.

Founded in 2011, The Color Run has grown to include more than 300 events in more than 50 countries.

Operated by The Color Run LLC, a for-profit event management company, each local event features a national or local charity partner to which a portion of the funds generated are donated.

The local partner in Bangor this year was the Bangor YMCA. Despite predictions of rain during the run, the event was mostly dry after a brief shower at the start of the run.

Follow Evan Belanger on Twitter at @evanbelanger.

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