Home   Tonbridge   News   Article

Penshurst Place: Run or Dye 2015 welcomes Tunbridge Wells celebrity Solomon Akhtar and couple celebrating anniversary

More than 3,000 people descended on Penshurst Place on the weekend for the world's most colourful 5km run - including a couple celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary.

Participants ran, walked and danced their way around the grounds of the estate, which hosted Run or Dye for the first time this year.

Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities enjoyed the most colourful event Kent has ever seen.

John and Kerry Jones from Edenbridge took part this year to mark their 10th wedding anniversary.

After meeting in South London, the couple married on July 5, 2005 and wanted to celebrate exactly 10 years to the day by doing something completely different.

John, 49, and Kerry, 37, ran the 5km route in their original wedding outfits, adding a brand new splash of colour.

Their three children aged 11, 9 and 5 joined them for the event on Sunday.

Penshurst Place also hosted local celebrity, Solomon Akhtar, from Series 10 of the Apprentice. Solly said he loved the event and will be back for more.

Solomon Akhtar, a contestant on last year's apprentice, took selfies with participants at Penshurst Place
Solomon Akhtar, a contestant on last year's apprentice, took selfies with participants at Penshurst Place

Filmed from above and side by side with on the ground and aerial camera crews the participants were showered with eco-friendly, plant-based cornstarch dye in a rainbow of colours as they made their way around the course.

Runners and their supporters celebrated their achievement with the world’s most colourful party, the famous Dye Festival with DJ Sam making sure the celebrations kept going.

Run or Dye will take place at 11 more locations throughout the year, including Kent's Hever Castle on October 3.

Help for Heroes is the official national charity partner and several of the Band of Brothers and Sisters joined the crowds on Sunday, cheering on the wounded servicemen, women and veterans who ran alongside members of the public taking part.

John and Kerry Jones took part to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary
John and Kerry Jones took part to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary

Volunteers from local charity partner, St Lawrence CE Primary School and neighbouring schools covered the runners from head to toe with dye throughout the course as families, friends and colleagues ran and walked together.

Inspired by the ancient Hindu festival of Holi, also known as the ‘Festival of Colours’, Run or Dye gives runners, walkers and all speeds in-between, the opportunity to experience and celebrate in full colour the thrill of the Festival and introduce the idea of ‘living life on purpose’. Participants can run dressed in white and run ready or in their favourite and most extravagant costumes.

Ben Thomas, general manager of Penshurst Place Estate, said “Run or Dye brought a wonderful kaleidoscope of colour to our parkland and woods. It was great to see so many locals of every age and ability taking part!”

Mrs Alison Saunders, Headteacher at St Lawrence CE Primary School, said: "We are thrilled to be part of this event and be involved in such a fun, colourful event. Fundraising is key to improving the future of the children at the school.”

Fore more information click here.

Did you take part in Run or Dye at Penshurst Place? Send your pictures to messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More