DORSET’S only rainbow run is returning to Poole for the third year running.

The Dorset Rainbow Run, known for turning participants into colourful rainbows as they run a 3k route, will be hosted by Naomi House & Jacksplace – hospices for children and young adults – at Upton Country Park on Sunday, July 7.

Participants pass through a number of different coloured paint stations and get covered in powdered paint, thrown by groups of volunteers, with hundreds of multi-coloured people sprinting over the finish line to claim their medal.

Charlotte Patrick, events fundraiser at Winchester-based Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: "The Rainbow Run is one of our most popular events and is definitely the most colourful! It’s a family friendly event that is suitable for all ages and we usually see a mix of families, groups of friends and colleagues all running together.

"The run isn't about speed or time, it’s all about having fun and seeing what colour you end up being. We can't wait to see hundreds of runners take on this fabulously messy fun run in support of life limited and life threatened children, young adults and their families."

The charity runs hospices supporting more than 525 life-limited and life-threatened children and young adults, as well as their extended families, from Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, the Isle of Wight and beyond.

Previous Rainbow Runs have attracted as many as 1,600 runners and raised in excess of £40,000.

Early bird tickets are available until April 7 at the price of £15 for adults and £10 for children. The ticket price after this date will be £20 for adults and £15 for children.

To find out more/sign up to the Dorset Rainbow Run, visit naomihouse.org.uk/dorset-rainbow-run.