Over 1,000 take part in annual colour run
FUN in the sun bubbled up in the town centre as over 1,000 runners took part in the LOROS Colour Fun Mile.
Each of the paint-plastered joggers enjoyed a walking bubble bath as a foam machine blasted froth across Regent Street for this year’s festivities.
The event raised more than £10,000 for LOROS hospice.
The participants gathered in a sun kissed Argents Mead for the 5th rendition of the annual event, with LOROS Hospice providing free white t-shirts to personalise and cover with paint.
People throwing paint powder were stationed along Regent Street, Horsefair and Castle Street, as well as at the finish line from Station Road going into Market Place, with over 300kg of coloured paint thrown.
The foam cannons were posi- tioned opposite the Baron of Hinckley and most of the bubbles were cleared away by the end of the event.
Laura Fitzsawyer, fundraising coordinator at LOROS, said: “It was a fantastic evening so much fun but also really emotional as lots of people were running in memory of friends and family.
“We had great support and raised lots of money too.
“A huge thank you to Hinckley Running Club and to Bosworth Borough Council for letting us cover the town in colour.”
Funky headgear included sparkly pink cowboy hats, afro hats and an inflatable blonde perm, with youngsters and friend getting piggy backs round the two-lap track.
TKT cheerleading and players from Leicester Falcons American Football Club were there to support the event.
One of the colourful participants was Claire Cunnington, a married mum-of-three from Groby who is living with Motor Neurone Disease
She took part in the Colourfun Mile in her wheelchair along with her husband Alan and their three children: Amelia, 15, Oliver, 7, and Ben, 5.
Claire, 43, wanted to give something back to LOROS for the care she has received and has so far raised £800.
She said: “The atmosphere was electric.
“The countdown was really exciting and then we were off, and I was weaving in and out in my wheelchair.
“It was even messier than I thought it would be and my kids just loved it, especially throwing paint. “I would definitely do it again.” Teresa Ellingworth, 59, from Burbage, took part with her family in memory of her brother-inlaw Brian, who died from cancer six weeks ago at LOROS hospice.
She said: “We were blown away with the service and treatment at LOROS – they’re worth every penny.
“It was such a comfort, knowing he was getting the best care.”
Jill Downs, 58, from Glenfield, was running for her dad, Gavin White.
Jill said: “I absolutely loved the Colourfun Mile.
“Everyone is here for the same reason and the people are so friendly. It’s amazing. I would do it again without a doubt.”
A number of the runners had a jiggle in the market square to the beat of the drums, provided by Brazilian-style Samba group Sambando.
Councillor Jan Kirby, mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth borough, was there to greet the sprinters as they crossed the finish line, with LOROS mascot Lionel the Lion handing out medals to all who completed the race.