PLUMES of powdered paint filled the air at Upton Country Park during the Dorset Rainbow Run on Sunday.

The charity-organised event raised money for Naomi House & Jacksplace children’s hospice.

Over 1,000 rainbow-coloured runners took part in the 3k run around the park’s grounds, passing through four ‘paint stations’ along the way and getting pelted in pink, green, orange and blue paint.

Before the runners started, they enjoyed a lively warm-up session to some pop hits.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Olivia Handley said it was the first time she had taken part.

She and her 11-month-old daughter, Matilda, were dressed for the occasion in rainbow tutus.

“Matilda is my cheerleader today,” she said, adding after the run: “I feel pretty good about completing the race – although it felt longer than I expected, it was fun.”

Jo and Sarah Brown, who were the first women to cross the finish line, along with Jo’s daughter, Lexi, said it was the third time they had taken part in the run.

“We’ve done it every year it’s been here, we love it,” Jo said.

“I teach at a school, and it’s that link of doing something good for charity but also having fun.”

Kirsten Hannibal decided to sign up for the run as a personal challenge as she has MS. She persuaded her son, Tom, to take part and her friends Caroline Tiller and Lucy Cox, along with their children Freya and Sam.

“We signed up on Christmas Day. I’ve never done anything like this before. We’ve already raised a few hundred pounds. We plan to do something for a different cause every year,” Kirsten said.

Meg Plenderleith, of Naomi House & Jacksplace, said the event was enjoyed by children and adults alike.

“It’s such a great event for kids, especially as they’re covered in paint and dressed up in rainbow colours, which is amazing. The adults really enjoy it too, more than the kids actually, I’d say.

“The event’s definitely grown because quite a few charities do a similar thing – we’re just lucky that we’ve got enough people who want to help us and support us and keep the event going.”

She added the powdered paint thrown at participants was non-toxic and “people love it”.