Bringing Community and Colour to Milton Country Park
On Wednesday, April 30th, we hosted our annual School Games Living Better Colour Run Festival at Milton Country Park. With 461 children from 29 Primary and Secondary Schools taking part, and 70 sports leaders from four local schools supporting the event.
Ready, Set, Throw!
The festival kicked off with a high-energy warm-up led by Clubbercise instructor Amelia, setting the tone for the colourful 3km run/walk. Before heading to the start line, every pupil received a colourful goody bag to get them fully involved in the experience. Inside was an event t-shirt as a keepsake to remember the day, along with funky, multi-coloured glasses to shield their eyes from the clouds of powder paint ahead. They were also given paint packets of their own, ready to take part in the much-anticipated colour battle and add to the spectacle.
Along the route, strategically placed paint stations ensured participants were showered in bright bursts of colour, thanks to the Living Better team and 70 volunteer sports leaders. Local Parkrun volunteers added to the lively atmosphere by marshalling the course and rallying the runners with enthusiasm and encouragement.
But this event was about more than just fun. Living Better’s mission is to harness the transformative power of physical activity, creating spaces where children can build confidence, make friends, and overcome challenges – especially during the crucial transition from primary to secondary school.
Event Village: Fun Beyond the Finish Line
The excitement didn’t end at the finish line; that’s where it really began. The Event Village was buzzing with energy, giving pupils the chance to explore fitness in fun, hands-on ways. From pedal-powered smoothie bikes and pop-up mobile gyms to rowing machines and inflatable obstacle courses, there was something to grab everyone’s attention and get them moving.
Local organisations, including Kidz Active, Healthy You, Fitness Rush and East Anglia Youth Rowing, brought real expertise and enthusiasm to the day, providing a welcoming space for pupils to try non-traditional activities. Whether it was testing their strength, balance, teamwork or endurance, every child had the opportunity to discover a new way to stay active. A new addition for the Colour Run this year was the Laser Tag taster experience, delivered in partnership with Zapt Laser Tag. It proved an instant hit, adding a sense of adventure and friendly competition to the line-up and giving participants yet another exciting way to get involved and keep active.
Voices from the Colour Run
“The children attending the Colour Run are those who are typically less engaged in physical activity and sport and often fall under the radar. The event aims to reintegrate peers and tackle social isolation, support transition from Primary to Secondary School, and provide a positive physical activity experience. Bringing together children and local people who are passionate and driven about health and wellbeing is at the heart of our purpose – today was that in action and the generosity of everyone makes it happen – in the current climate hearing laugher and the community coming together is uplifting.” – Samantha Hyde, Chief Executive Officer.
“Once again our annual Colour Run has surpassed all expectations in providing young people from 29 schools from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with a day, we hope they never forget.” – David Welch, Deputy Head of Programme Operations
Community Spirit Shines Through
This hugely successful day simply wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support we received. The sense of community behind the event was clear from start to finish, and it’s that shared positivity and willingness to get involved that helped us to deliver an unforgettable experience. From the organisations that sponsored the event and donated goods, to the dedicated volunteers who gave up their time to help on the day, every single contribution mattered. Each person played a vital role in bringing the event to life. Their unwavering community spirit, positivity, and commitment were instrumental in creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement, helping us deliver one of our best Colour Run experiences yet!
