AROUND 1,500 people spent one of the hottest days of the year being bombarded with more than a tonne of paint during Hereford’s brightest five-kilometre run.

Participants of all ages were doused in colour as they made their way along a five-kilometre circular course from Hereford’s King George V playing fields during Saturday’s St Michael’s Hospice Paint Runner.

The annual event is expected to raise around £23,000 for the Bartestree Hospice.

There was extra fun this time thanks to the newly-launched Foam Zone – which allowed runners and spectators to continue the party beyond the finish line.

Matt Ashcroft, St Michael's Hospice events manager, said: "The Paint Runner is such a fun event, and the wonderful turnout combined with great weather helped make this year’s another memorable day."

He thanked all those who made The Paint Runner happen, including event sponsors Brightwells, plus Fluidmaster, Dulux Decorator Centre, Right at Home Hereford, Quickskip Recycling and Impact Print.

Those taking part were put in the party mood by DJ Roddy Hankins ahead of the run and again during the foam zone after-party.

Next year’s Paint Runner is set to be one of the most colourful in the UK with plans for six paint stations around the course.

Meanwhile, the Hospice’s Events programme continues on Sunday, July 2 with the Sue Parry football tournament, before the Wheelie Big Cycle on Sunday, July 16.

Visit st-michaels-hospice.org.uk for more event information.