Runners braved a multi-coloured assault to raise tens of thousands of pounds for a local hospice.

Around 700 runners of all ages tackled Kirkwood Hospice’s Colour Rush at Oakwell Hall Country Park, Birstall, on Sunday.

Volunteers took on the 5km course while sponsors on the sidelines, including Huddersfield solicitors Armitage Sykes, blasted them with powder paint.

The event, inspired by Holi, the Hindu spring festival of colours, raised around £40,000 for the Dalton hospice.

All cash will go to the hospice’s running costs which total £15,000 per day.

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As well as runners from surrounding towns and cities such as Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and Halifax, some volunteers came from as far as Devon and Cornwall.

Kirkwood Hospice event organiser Emily Kennedy said: “For a first-time event to see so many families is brilliant.

“We’ve got people of all ages and it’s been really nice.

“I think it’s just the idea of it being with paint and being so fun that attracts people.

“In general colour runs have been going for a few years but not in this area so that might be why there’s been such a good turnout.

Kirkwood Hospice Colour Rush at Oakwell Hall, Birstall.

“The weather has been beautiful. I think people were waiting to see what it would be like.”

Ms Kennedy added: “Some of the sponsors decided to cover me in powder because I looked too clean!”

Taking part were Abi Wilson, her partner Phillip Smith and their three-year-old son Zachary.

Ms Wilson, of Birstall, said: “We’ve had a fantastic time. It’s a beautiful location and it’s so exciting.

Kirkwood Hospice Colour Rush at Oakwell Hall, Birstall.

“Zachary’s had a lot of fun today. I’ve never seen him run so much chasing the paint.”

Ms Wilson, 24, added: “I’m a former volunteer for Kirkwood Hospice so it’s a charity that’s close to my heart.”

Opened in 1987, Kirkwood Hospice provides palliative care for people from Kirklees with terminal conditions.