HUNDREDS of runners returned to Kendal at the weekend to paint the town all the colours of the rainbow to raise money for a palliative care charity.
Almost 1,000 people took part in St John’s Hospice’s Kendal Colour Dash on Sunday, April 24, after a two-year hiatus.
People of all ages and running prowess attended the fun run, which began at Kirkbie Kendal school, and managed to raise more than £25,000 for the charity- with money still coming in.
Dashing their way through Kendal on the 5k route, participants were covered in different colours of powdered paint along the way.
Companies Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery, Kendal Leisure Centre, Hackney & Leigh, James Cropper, The Key Cobbler, and Turner Scott Lettings sponsored the event, and provided volunteers to brandish the paint.
Annabelle Holloway, fundraising executive at St John’s Hospice, said: “The fantastic turnout is testament to the devoted community support and appreciation for St John’s and the work it does in the community, all the way up to Grasmere!
“Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored a runner or volunteered, and our event sponsors – events like these raise vital funds for our local hospice and allow St John’s nurses to continue their important work in the Hospice, and in the community.”
Colour dashers were encouraged to get sponsored for their run – as the ticket price only covered the cost of putting on the event, while sponsorship raises money for the charity.
Some chose to team up as friends, schools or colleagues, and one business that signed up as a team was Kendal-based Herdy.
Herdy co-founder, Diane Hannah, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed the whole event. The atmosphere was amazing, and it was great to see team Herdy striding out for such a worthwhile cause.
“We were delighted to have raised over £1,100. My father was cared for by a hospice at the end of his life so I’ve experienced first-hand the incredible work they do.
“It’s a very special service they provide to our community, so a great cause to support.”
The Kendal Colour Dash will return next year.
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