MORE than 1,500 runners put their best foot forward in a huge charity event in Malvern - which saw life-size chickens and acorns running amok.

The rain held off for most of the day yesterday, allowing the Acorns Children's Hospice's Triple Run 2007 to prove a big success.

Spokesman Melanie Hinds said: "It was absolutely brilliant. We had about 1,500 runners in total and fortunately for most of the day it was warm and sunny.

"The rain started to come after the children finished the chicken run, so they escaped it. But the 5k and half marathon runners got a little bit soggy."

The event took place at the Three Counties Showground for the second year. The first run, last year, happened in a deluge of rain. However, this time, despite the forecast, it was much drier.

Worcester Warriors players Tony Windo, Shane Drahm, Gavin Quinnell and Marcel Garvey were on hand to entertain spectators with demonstrations of their skills, plus children were given the chance to have a go at kicking, running and passing the ball.

Mrs Hinds added: "We had an excellent turnout of visitors. For the runs there were people dressed as chickens and acorns and it was just a great atmosphere."

There were three different races to choose from; the multi-terrain 5km Spring Run - a fun-run or walk next to the Malvern Hills; a half-marathon for more serious runners; and a special 1.1km Chicken Run for people with special needs.