A BLANKET of colour spread over Glasgow as thousands of runners of all ages took to the streets for the Color Run, presented by Skittles, an event which has been dubbed the “happiest 5k on the planet”.

The Color Run took place in the city for the first time ever, with those taking part splashed with coloured powder as they make their way through the city centre before finishing in the Saltmarket.

Thousands of bags of coloured powder were thrown over the runners taking part in the unusual challenge yesterday.

The event also included a party with live sets from DJs and the mass “Color Throw”, a multicolour free-for-all where all runners came together to throw coloured powder over each other.

Organisers said the Color Run, which is an untimed 5k fun run, is aimed to bring together fitness and fun.

Andy Knee, managing director of event organisers, mass participation IMG, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people turn up to our first The Color Run event in Glasgow, enabling us to spread colour and joy to across the city.

“We’re already looking forward to our next event as we continue to spread further colour and happiness to Color Runners everywhere.”

Glasgow’s hosting of the Color Run is part of a programme of other similar mass participation summer events that kicked off in London’s Wembley Park earlier this month, followed by the Manchester leg.

Further events are due to be held in London, Brighton and Birmingham this summer.

Color Run founder, Travis Snyder, was inspired by the Indian Holi Festival, and decided to combine the idea with a 5k running experience.

From the first event in the United States in January 2012 The Color Run has since spread across the globe.