Colour run in Moscow brightens mood ahead of Marathon

Despite the sky turning grey this weekend in Moscow people's moods remained bright and cheery as 1657 runners took part in a colour run. Organisers placed people every 50 metres along the track to throw multicoloured paint powder at the runners, which many said helped them complete the course.

"Just as you start to feel tired while running, you pass by those spots where people throw paint and you feel the surge of energy," said Vladimir, a marathon runner in training.

"You lose your breath a little, but it's ok, energy is more important, so you continue running every new kilometre with the new mood."

The run was organised by the Naked Heart Foundation and was aimed at raising funds for a Russian family support centre that helps parents with children who have special needs. Report by Laurie Blake.

More stories from ITN:

[Greenpoloboy]

Yes. I love it when people throw flour and curry powder over my head and face when i run. It makes me go so much faster!

[Chilllaxxinn]

I would be depressed too if I lived in russia

[cwuzii]

Russia, the biggest country in the world but also the quietist.