Runners will turn all colours of the rainbow at a new charity event.
No-one will end up looking simply red at the end of Kirkwood Hospice’s inaugural 5km Colour Rush, which is to take place at Oakwell Hall Country Park on October 4.
A non-competitive event, it will lead participants around a course which can be either run, walked, skipped or danced.
But the twist is that it will be manned by a team determined to cover those involved in as much powder paint as possible.
There will also be an accessible 1km route for those with pushchairs or that prefer to take on a shorter distance but get the full paint effect and everyone will get to take part in a ‘colour party’ at the finish line.
Now a popular type of celebration around the world, the Dalton-based hospice decided to run its own to give local people the experience.
A similar event recently proved a massive hit for Overgate Hospice of Elland.
Emily Kennedy, a hospice fundraiser who has organised the Kirkwood Colour Rush, said: “Colour events are really popular around the world and we want to bring some fun and an explosion of colour to Kirklees.
“We are encouraging people to get a group together and take part as a team.
“It’s going to be fun for the whole family and there is no age limit, so anyone can take part.
“Whether you are coming to remember those vibrant characters in your life, to support the Hospice or just to have a great time, it’s going to be a memorable day.
“Everyone will be given a white t-shirt to wear, which we guarantee will look more like a work of time by the time they’ve finished.”
American-born 5km Color Run was inspired by the Hindu festival of Holi and the first major event was held in 2011 and now over 50 countries are putting on similar events.
The event, supported by Armitage Sykes and Kirklees Council Oakwell Hall Country Park, will raise money for the hospice, which needs £5.5m to provide its services.
Participants can sign up at www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/colour , by calling fundraising on 01484 557911 or by completing a paper form from Kirkwood Hospice or at any of its Kirklees shops.
Registration is £15 for adults and £10 for under 16’s, while under threes go free.
Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are £45.
