7 reasons I ran the first Teignmouth Colour Rush

I wasn't planning on doing another charity run for a while, having already done the Great West Run for Parkinson's and the Rock Solid 15K for Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) in the last six months, but when the rugby girls suggested doing the first ever Teignmouth Colour Rush for Rowcroft Hospice, I jumped at the opportunity.

Here's why:

1. It was the first time this event has been held in my home town, so I was really proud to take part. Plus, it was easy to walk back home afterwards.
2. It's not a regular 5K charity fun run, you run through paint stations where volunteers chuck cups of brightly coloured powdered paint all over you, which not only hides your bright red face, but is a beautiful spectacle
3. It's for a great cause. Rowcroft Hospice is a South Devon charity that provides palliative and end of life care. Lots of people taking part in today's event have known and loved family and friends who have benefitted from the work of the hospice.
4. The route is a mixture of terrain with half run on the beach and half run along the promenade, which provides great variety for any runner.
5. But, the joy of the Colour Rush is that it's not a race. Yes, there was a clock, and the competitive side of me was pleased that I ran it in 28 minutes despite having not really run since RockSolid in March, but lots of people walked it and just enjoyed the atmosphere.
6. It's a great team event. Most people took part with their friends and I was no exception, it was a great opportunity to catch up with the rugby girls after the end of the season.
7. The event is just as much for the supporters. It's three laps so supporters had ample opportunity to wave to their friends and marvel at the colourful clouds rising up from each of the paint stations.

Would I do it again? Without hesitation yes. And would I recommend it to anyone else? Definitely, especially if you've never taken part in a charity run before because it's not really a run at all - you can take it as easy as you like. It's off road, so there's no pressure to be finished in a certain time because the road needs to open again, so you can take as long as you like and really soak up the wonderful, friendly atmosphere.

If you've been inspired to support the work of Rowcroft Hospice, I'd be very grateful for any donations made through my JustGiving page.