FOAMY fun was enjoyed as runners literally got into a bit of lather at the first Bolton Hospice Bubble Rush.

Nearly 1,000 people, among them an estimated 150 children, took part in the fundraising 5km run through Queen's Park yesterday (Sept 18) where suds and sun were the order of the day.

Competitors had to complete two loops of the park and on each lap pass through four inflatable arch 'stations' where a cannon doused them with dyed foam and created a huge frothy wall to burst through.

Judith Bromley, the hospice chairwoman, acted as back marker to ensure everyone made it home.

She said: "Bubble Rushes are run only for hospices and this is the first one ever in Bolton.

"It's captured the public's imagination and we expect to raise a lot of money.

"We have got to raise £3.2million a year just to keep the doors open and all the money raised today will go towards helping our patients."

Organisers were delighted the numbers of entrants was almost double that of last year's Colour Run, which it replaced.

Runners turned up in fancy dress, including tutus, visors, butterfly wings and snorkels, or were pushing prams or carrying their babies and crowds and a samba band lined the route to cheer them on after the noon start.

First past the finish line was Canon Slade School pupil Katie Baugh, aged 14.

She said: "It was really fun. I did the one last year but I wanted to get myself a better time.

"I was running in memory of my Grandad Alan and I have raised £170 in sponsorship so far.

"With everybody clapping you, that was really helpful."

Runners were showered with 2,000litres of spume at each of the four stations and by the time they completed the run were left with soaked and stained Bubble Rush branded T-shirts.

Everyone received a medal at the finish line from volunteers and the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Linda Byrne, whose husband and consort Councillor John Byrne was jokingly asked by one competitor "Do you want a bubbly hug?" as he slung the medallion around her neck.

Friends Ben Taylor, of Harwood, and Kayley Bissell, of Adlington, ran the race after meeting at the hospice's sponsored skydive a fortnight ago and realising they had a shared passion for fundraising for the charity in memory of late relatives.

He said: "It was absolutely fantastic — it's really good. The foam makes it."

Kayley added: "I've lost 4 1/2 stone in 10 months through training and I wouldn't have been able to take part in the Colour Run this time last year. It has spurred me to keep going.

"I would have never considered doing anything like this if it wasn't for the hospice.

"I wanted to give something back and it's all for a good cause."

Bolton Hospice's events manager Maria Passarello said £25,000 in donations had been pledged and the target was £40,000.

She said: "We tried to create a festival atmosphere and our supporters loved it.

"It's something for all the family and it's wheelchair-friendly as well.

"You can feel the good vibes. It's like a party in the park, isn't it?"

There was also a tree of dedication in the park onto whose branches visitors could tie messages of remembrance.