HUNDREDS of runners certainly caught the eye when they ran around Hereford covered in paint.

Saturday's 5k route on both sides of the River Wye featured seven paint stations to ensure the joggers' attire was a mash of colours.

Few timed their runs on a day when everyone was a winner, having raised vital funds for St Michael's Hospice.

People of all ages took part and were put in the mood for the colourful challenge by DJ Roddy Hankins.

He played the hits while the Starlight Company led a professional warm-up as the first shots of paint were fired into the air.

A crowd of 1,300 then set off around the King George V Playing Fields before crossing the Old Bridge and heading past shocked tourists outside the Cathedral.

A circuit around the Castle Green followed before runners passed through more paint stations on the Bishop's Meadows.

Having passed through the finishing line, joggers made their way into a foam party.

But no amount of bubbles could shift the paint from entrants' tops, trainers and t-shirts.

Matt Ashcroft, St Michael's Hospice events manager, thanked all those who took part.

"We simply couldn’t put on our events without the help of our volunteers, so on behalf of everyone taking part, thank you," he said.

"We hope everyone had a memorable day. By being a Paint Runner you are helping families across Herefordshire and beyond at a time when they need it most."

He also thanked event sponsors Beyond Storage and Paint Station sponsors Brightwells, Quickskip, BBR Optometry, Fluidmaster, Impact Print & Design, Herefordshire 4x4 Response, and Faultless Fitness.

The next date in the Hospice’s Events programme is the Sue Parry football tournament at Hereford Leisure Centre on June 30.

Junior places have already sold out for this event, although adult places remain.