HUNDREDS paid for the privilege of running five kilometres while being showered with coloured paint - and it helped a charity celebrate one of the most successful fundraising events in its history.

Herriot Hospice Homecare hosted its first ever colour run at Catterick Racecourse and more than 600 people took part - being blasted with multi-coloured paint as they went.

The Northern Echo: Catterick Racecourse is hidden in clouds of paint dring the Colour Run

Before the start of the run, each participant was given a white T-shirt, a pair of sunglasses and a paint packet to throw at other runners, or themselves. They also received a medal at the finishing line.

A post-race paint party was then staged by TFM Radio, giving people the chance to take on an even more colourful hue.

The charity’s community and events fundraiser, Amy Lingard said: “We were delighted with the number of people who took part in the colour run; it surpassed even our expectations.

“The weather was kind to us and everyone had a great time running around and being showered with paint.

“Raising as much money as we did was fantastic and it will make such a difference to people who use our services in Hambleton and Richmondshire.

“We would like to thank everyone who paid to take part, as well as those who also got sponsorship as well; we will definitely now be making this an annual event.”