Hundreds of participants braved muddy trails and bursts of colour at Saturday’s Bloom and Umhlali Colour Run through the Umhlali sugarcane fields.

A new, more challenging route presented a fresh test for participants.

The fundraising event, held jointly for the first time by Bloom Special Needs School and Therapy Centre and Umhlali Preparatory School, got under way with bursts of colour sent skywards at the start line on the Umhlali Preparatory School sports field.

Cyclists set off first, followed by runners 15 minutes later. The route then wound through the surrounding sugarcane fields, with colour stations and water points at regular intervals.

Bloom fundraiser Debbie Nicholson was unsure how the reworked 3km and 5km routes would be received, particularly with a muddy section on the course following rain earlier in the week.

But the new routes proved popular, with children, adults and dogs in tow all eagerly approaching each colour station before being showered with coloured powder.

Although the heat saw some participants switch from the 5km to the 3km route, it did little to dampen spirits, with dancing, lucky draws, snacks and ice-cold drinks on offer beyond the finish line.

Nicholson thanked all the sponsors who made the event possible and everyone who took part in support of the two schools.

The funds raised will help sustain both schools’ operations.