IT was an epic explosion of glorious technicolour.

Thousands of multicoloured runners flashed across the finishing line in one of the most vivid mass running events Southampton has ever seen.

Now organisers of the city’s Run or Dye race are so overwhelmed by the response they want to double entries to next year’s event.

Crowds cheered on 3,100 runners taking to their marks for the charity fun run at Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre on Saturday.

It took its inspiration from the Hindu festival of Holi and participants lined up in white running gear before being covered in green, purple and red paint as they ran and walked around the 5km course.

Entrants ranged in age from two to 87, with many donning fancy dress outfits including wedding dresses, brightly coloured tutus, wigs and sun glasses, with one sporting a storm trooper outfit.

Runners collecting for charity included Jennifer Hogan who had 14 inches of her hair lopped off before taking to the track for the Little Princess Trust which gives tailored wigs to children who have lost their hair.

The day climaxed when runners gathered outside the main stage for a mass explosion of dye bombs.

Southampton race director Mark Cunningham said: “It has been a fantastic atmosphere on our first year here.

“We are very pleased and are hoping to double the numbers next year.”