I had never heard of a ‘colour run’ before so my American colleagues explained. Pupils pay for water balloons and paper cones of colour (powder paint mixed with flour). These are thrown at crazy teachers who are willing to run round a circuit twice negotiating various obstacles.

“Let’s have a before and after photo”, someone suggested. We gathered on the field –bad idea. The biting ants are still alive and well –biting. A rapid move to the tarmac for a more comfortable photo ensued.

At the starting gun we were off. Take care on the slippery steps. To the 45 degree wires. There is so much powder colour in the air that it's tricky to see through the lab glasses being used as eye protectors.

Round to the grade one playground. Onto the tyres. Is that someone actually crawling through the mud underneath? Then it’s over to the wall, up the wet slope hand over hand on the metal pole. Past the gym, through the car park, round by the kindergarten playground. The KG children are having fun throwing water balloons but none of them seem to reach a target. In front of our own front door then ready for the next circuit.  

A quick photo or two to show we really did it, then a jog to the shower. By taking part we gained points for our house teams. More importantly the money raised will be split between Yetesfa Birhan and Horizon (The boy’s equivalent).

Now where’s that empty washing machine?