WILLEMSTAD – October 18, 2018 – Curaçao as a destination recently participated in the New York Color Run. The Color Run, also known as the “Happiest 5K on the planet”, is a unique paint race celebrating individuality, healthiness and happiness. The Color Run is the largest running series in the world. In total, over 6 million people worldwide have at some point participated in one of these races organized in over 35 different countries. As was done in Fort Lauderdale last May, the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), one of the sponsors of the New York 5K Color Run 2018, once again grabbed the opportunity to promote the island, showcasing it as the world’s most colorful destination. During the Run, the CTB provided participants with information on Curaçao, with special attention to the non-stop flights to the island from JFK International Airport offered by JetBlue.
About 75% of the New York Color Run’ participants are millennials, with ages varying between 18 and 35, which fall within CTB’s target group. The race started inside Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, going around the stadium and baseball field, after which the participants were guided to four color zones, including the Blue Zone, which was sponsored by Curaçao. The Curaçao logo was featured prominently, and the experience was topped off with delightful music of our local artists.
The CTB also invited New York-based travel, lifestyle and trade journalists to run the 5K along with a representative of the island. The media representatives who participated contribute to both national and regional publications including New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, Sherman’s Travel, Hip Latina and The Cook’s Cook.
At the Finish Festival, which is the Color Run’s official after party, the Curaçao booth was accented by an expansive backdrop showing our Handelskade. The space included an island-inspired bar where participants could stop to pick up Curaçao-branded sunglasses and take pictures. CTB and Hilton Curaçao also teamed up to provide a trip for two to Curaçao, courtesy of JetBlue Vacations, and a 4-night stay at the Hilton Curaçao. To enter to win a trip, runners were asked to take a gif-style photo and share their photo on social media. Gianina Atalita of the CTB and Lynette Dmuchowski representing the Hilton Curaçao in New York joined the DJ on stage to announce the two winners to the over 5700 fans in attendance. The CTB can certainly look back at another successful initiative that has further promoted the island of Curaçao.
