A RECORD number of runners joined in the third year of the Marvellous Malvern Multicolour Fun Run in West Malvern

The usually peaceful grounds of the Elim International College were filled with over 600 children and adults running, jogging and walking their way around the 1.5 mile cross-country course.

From the start they were doused with powder paints in almost every colour by students of the college and eager spectators.

Among the runners was six-year-old Riley-Jay Collins from Bromsgrove who raised over £280 for Macmillan, a man dressed as Elvis and three runners in lycra who turned the day into a duathlon by cycling up from Cheltenham to do the run and then cycling back.

Two-year-old Otis Badham enjoyed the course from the comfort of his buggy, thanks to energetic mum Lisa from Eardisley.

All runners got a race number, sunglasses, a finisher’s medal and certificate.

“We had a blast!” said Gwen Cox, also from Cheltenham. To keep everyone entertained between runs, the organisers had also laid on a bouncy castle, hot food and drink and a pop-up village shop.

The event was organised jointly by the college and West Malvern-based adventure tour company Greenrock Ltd.

Joe Mearns from Greenrock said: “We’d like to thank everyone for growing this local event and helping make it as colourful as it is fun.

"The great atmosphere is down to everyone who takes part so we can’t thank all the runners enough. We’d love to see you back here later in the year for the Santa Run.”