A kaleidoscope of colour will hit Wollongong on Sunday, when the annual Color Run returns to the Illawarra for the second year.

Also known as the "Happiest 5k on the Planet", the Color Run is staged all over the world.

It was founded in 2012 to promote happiness, health and individuality by bringing communities together.

In 2014 more than 2 million people took part globally, and while the event itself does not raise money for charity, it does have charitable partners, and individuals and teams can use the Color Run to support a worthy cause if they choose.

Color Run national race director Woody Sedgman said she was thrilled to bring the run back again to the Illawarra.

"We love Wollongong, and the response to the Color Run from the local community last year was incredibly positive," Ms Sedgman said.

"We can't wait to bring friends and family together again, and make them smile in this unique, fun and, above all, colourful environment."

This year organisers have introduced a Wollongong Wicked Wigs theme, and have formed partnerships with local suppliers to provide a range of colourful, weird and whacky wigs for people to wear on the day.

Setting off from Stewart Park at 8am, participants can run, walk, skip, dance, or even roll along the course which will take them along the coast through Flagstaff Hill Park and Lang Park.

Pre-run entertainment on May 24 starts from 6.30am and includes a mass Zumba class for those who would like to warm up before the event, while the fun will continue after the run with the Finish Festival party, featuring music, dancing, and even more colour.

Information, registrations: colorrun.com.au