ONE of Carlisle's most colourful events is returning to the city,

The hugely popular Colour Run – which in its inaugural year last year raised £80,000 - will generate smiles and raised much needed cash on Sunday, May 8, for Eden Valley Hospice, Jigsaw, and Cumbria Children's Hospice. 

The event gets its name from the vibrant spectacle created as volunteers hurl brightly coloured powder paint at those taking part, whose white attire creates a suitably blank canvas. 

The effect is vibrant and full of fun. 

The city's first Colour Run attracted more than 1,500 participants to Carlisle Racecourse. 

Among them were staff from Gretna Primary School and headteacher John McDowall explained why. 

“Gretna Primary has supported the hospice through school fundraising for a number of years,” he said. “We were inspired at an assembly a few years back by the work that goes on to help people live as fulfilling lives despite many setbacks. 

“Some staff have been touched by the kindness and support the hospice provides personally. We want to help in any way we can. 

“Staff at Gretna Primary are always up for a laugh and love working as a team, and when we saw the Colour Run advertised we thought it was a great way of raising money for a good cause whilst getting together and having a laugh. 

“It was a fantastic event - well organised, fun and a bit crazy at the same time. We look forward to taking part again this year.” 

Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw’s 2015 Colour Run events, in Carlisle and Kendal, raised over £80,000 to help the care, support and activities provided to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. 

This care and compassion is extended to all of the patients’ family, friends and carers. 

Katrina Sander, community and events fundraising manager, said: “Last year’s Colour Run events in Carlisle and Kendal were amazing and it was fantastic to see so many people, of all ages, coming together to support the hospice and we hope to do the same next year. 

“2016 is a special year for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and the Colour Run is just one of the many ways the local community can join in the celebrations. 

“As part of our 25th Birthday Wish List we would love to see 2,000 fundraisers covering themselves in powdered paint at this year’s Colour Run.” 

The day will finish with party as vibrant as the event itself. 

This will provide all of the fundraisers and spectators with the chance to dance the afternoon away enjoying the fantastic entertainment and showering themselves in more paint. 

John added: “We wholly recommend the Colour Run to anyone thinking about taking part. You do not have to be an athlete and can take it at your own pace – there's no pressure put on you. 

“The atmosphere was tremendous and the memories it has created for all taking part will be eternal.” 

The paint used in the event is made from cornstarch and fully tested cosmetic dyes. 

  • Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice have kept the entry prices from the 2015 event for now. However, they may increase closer to the event. 
  • Registration is now open for the Colour Run at Carlisle Racecourse. Prices are £15 Adults, £7.50 Children (under 16), £35 Family (two adults and two children, and £45 Group (four adults). 
  • Entry to the event includes a white t-shirt and a pair of funky sun glasses. 
  • To register or for more information call the fundraising team on 01228 817613 or visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org   
  • Entries are also open for this year's west Cumbria run at Muncaster Castle on Sunday, July 3. Last year’s event raised more than £35,000.

Competitors can take part in 5km or 1km events, which are open to people of all ages and athletic abilities.

It is being held earlier than in previous years in a bid to let people who may be heading off on holidays later in the summer to take part, as well as encouraging people to visit Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass.

Colour run tickets are available from www.hospiceathomewestcumbria.org.uk or by calling 01900 873173.