Colour Run brings a burst of joy to Harewood Forest – and raises £11,000 for local hospitals!

2 Aug

Harewood Forest exploded with colour this morning as around 300 people came together for a spectacular Colour Run in support of Hampshire Hospitals Charity.

Now in its second year, the much-loved event saw participants run and walk their way around the 5km countryside trail, all while being showered in clouds of eco-friendly powder paint.

The fun began with a lively warm-up session, generously led by local fitness experts Back in Shape, before the Countess of Brecknock officially started the challenge. Runners quickly took the lead and walkers followed on shortly behind.

Charity supporters started the challenge dressed in bright white t-shirts, before they were transformed into walking rainbows as they passed through six colour stations set up around the forest course.

The course was buzzing with joy as families and groups of friends made their way through the course, and by the time everyone crossed the finish line, everyone was covered head to row in a rainbow of colour. Finishers proudly collected their medals, before enjoying time in the event village, sharing their experience of the day.

The event has already raised an impressive £11,000, with even more sponsorship money still pouring in, to support projects that benefit patients and staff across Hampshire Hospitals.

“This event really does put the fun in fundraising!” said Morgan Hughes, fundraising assistant at Hampshire Hospitals Charity. “We had the best day. The atmosphere was amazing, and everyone left with huge smiles and very colourful clothes. I can’t thank our sponsors, site providers, volunteers and of course our incredible participants enough. It’s community spirit like this that makes events like the Colour Run so special.”

The event was proudly supported by JPH Electrical, Hildon, Back in Shape, Ben’s Quality Dry Cleaners, Cornerstone’s Nurseries, Andover Leisure, and Creditlink Account Recovery Solutions (C.A.R.S).

Plans are already underway to bring the event back for a third time.