France's first Color Run saw thousands race through the streets of Paris on Sunday in a puff of brightly-coloured smoke.

Participants in the five-kilometre race were encouraged to start the event wearing white and then become steadily dirtier as they were doused with multi-coloured dye for every kilometre completed.

The atmosphere was relaxed rather than competitive.

The first Color Run took place in the United States in 2012 and more than 30 countries since then have held similar races.