Thousands of people had a colourful day out as they ran, walked and danced through a 5km course while being showered with rainbow shades.

Participants of all ages crossed the finish line of the Run or Dye challenge at Hever Castle, near Edenbridge, on Saturday, October 4, with a much brighter look than what they had at the start.

Those who took part were asked to arrive dressed in white and were covered in a range of custom-coloured showers of safe, eco-friendly, plant-based cornstarch dye at a minimum of five stations.

It’s the first time the international fun run has taken place in Kent and its debut made a huge splash.

Managing director of the Castle Triathlon Series, the organisation behind the Run or Dye race, Brian Adcock said: "It was a great turn out for the event. Over 5,000 people turned up to take part.

"It was very colourful and there seemed to be a lot of smiling faces. Luckily the weather was good for the morning. This is the first time the event has been in the county so it was a great result.

"A great range of people turn up for the runs, from children to grandparents. I'd say it's more the occasional runner that takes part, there's not a lot of lycra knocking about."

Runners set off in waves so there is no timing of the race, however, Mr Adcock said he would estimate the event taking an average of 45 minutes.