Adding a little colour to a weekend beach run

Runners in Blackpool painted the town red – and blue, yellow and green – to raise cash for charity.
Runners at Trinity Hospice Colour Splash at Starr GateRunners at Trinity Hospice Colour Splash at Starr Gate
Runners at Trinity Hospice Colour Splash at Starr Gate

Organisers of the resort’s first-ever Colour Splash event had hoped to collect £20,000 for Trinity Hospice, but may even have doubled that.

“It was just incredible – we couldn’t believe how popular it was,” said Shirley Morgan, the hospice’s press and communications manager.

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“This was the first time we have held this event – and I’m quite sure it won’t be the last. I can see it being repeated next year, by popular demand.”

A total of 1,800 people of all ages took part in the 5k run on the beach. Every kilometre they were showered with paint by the charity’s Colour Splash Squad.

“The event was sold out days in advance,” said Shirley. “We still had people wanting to join right up to the day itself, but we had to limit it to 1,800.

“We were knocked out by the response, it was far greater than we ever imagined. We had people taking part aged from seven up to 70-something.

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“We had an original fund-raising target of £20,000, but we think we will have smashed that. Perhaps even doubled it.

Runners at Trinity Hospice Colour Splash at Starr GateRunners at Trinity Hospice Colour Splash at Starr Gate
Runners at Trinity Hospice Colour Splash at Starr Gate

“The weather couldn’t have been kinder and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.

“They all entered into the spirit of it.

“Most people were covered in different colours by the end, although I did see a few completely blue – and there was even an orange pug dog with some of the spectators.

“It really felt like a carnival with lots of happy smiling faces.”

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