HUNDREDS of avid runners have taken part in a unique five kilometre course run in aid of a hospice which provides end of life care.

Highwood Country Park played host to the fourth St Helena’s Hospice Bubble Rush event on Saturday which saw more than 1,300 people take on the route which featured four stations pumping out colourful foamy bubbles.

Participants were invited to walk, run or dance their way round the course to raise money for the hospice - many walked in memory of a loved.

Susan Hollock, who took part in the annual bubble rush, said: “This is my third year taking part in this event as we had such a great time last year.

“I take part with my daughter and she absolutely loves it.

“It’s a fantastic day with a great family atmosphere raising money for a really important cause.

“We’ll be back again next year.”

Indi Allen, events and challenges manager at the hospice said it was a big family event and it had an “amazing” atmosphere.

“It was really lovely and people came from all over Colchester to get involved and support each other and the hospice,” she said.

“We had 1,300 people sign up for the event and we had a load more on the day.”

The next St Helena Hospice fundraiser will be the Midnight Walk on Saturday, June 23.