dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Since the "Marathon Color Bomb" season should be starting again and the organizers will be looking for photographers, beware of the offers. The chalk / powder that is used in the color bombs can and will get into your lenses and camera workings and (according to the techs at KEF, Nikon, and other camera repair facilities) can ruin and void the warranties on your equipment. Several of the camera equipment rental companies say that they will not knowingly rent to photographer for these events and if you use their equipment for them, you will be liable for all damages to the equipment. This is a repeat of the warning that I posted last year and just wanted to put it out there for the new members and anyone else that may have forgotten. The money offered for the photography looks good until you realize that you are going to have to spend it plus a lot more replacing the equipment that you used. The events can be safely photographed from a distance or (possibly) using an underwater container for your camera, but just keep the warning in mind.

bigtex2000 Loc: Arlington, TX

I had never even thought of this hazard as an issue.....great post that hopefully saves people a lot of money and aggravation.....thank you for re-posting this!!!!!!! Excellent advice.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

David
What is the purpose of a Color Bomb? Are they some sort of vandalism or are they part of the race. I'm not a runner and I'm not familiar with the term.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I think it's like a photo bomb, only it must be in color!!!
SS

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Fans and observers throw (in essence) balloons full of colored powder at and in the general direction of the runners and observers. It is the "latest" fad in distance running and they host runs all over the country.
http://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Staunton/SpEGGtacular5KColorBomb

Also this warning from a lens rental
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/05/how-to-ruin-your-gear-in-5-minutes-without-water/

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

Thanks for the heads up!
I'm shooting a couple of these for my niece, I planned on getting far away and using the big lens, now,
I KNOW that's what I'm going to do!!!

GT

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Not worried.

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

We just had a color run today in our town. Lots of mess. I wonder how their lungs are after breathing it. Their clothes, faces, hair and skin are a mess, but they did have fun!

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Man what a mess!!! Thanks for the tip.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Its been done in India for centuries : They don't do Health and Safety nor too bothered about a bit of temporary mess. But a good call all the same!
have fun 'ducking'.