Normally the phrase 'doing a runner' is not something anyone wants to hear on their wedding day.

But for a Maidstone couple who are accomplished runners, this was not your usual celebration.

Sue James, 70 and Alan Newman, 67, met and fell in love on a running and fitness holiday in Tunisia almost 31 years ago and this month decided to continue their shared interest when they finally got round to tying the knot.

They turned up for their wedding ceremony at the Archbishops Palace in Maidstone in their running gear, as did their witnesses Chris and Christine Gladwell.

After making their vows before the celebrant, Rona Church, the four of them celebrated by going on a 7k run.

Mr Newman said: "We were married in a minimalist, COVID-secure ceremony at the Archbishops Palace register office. No other guests were allowed apart from our two witnesses, so we thought, why not?"

Sue, a retired tailor originally from Blackpool, is a former British age group champion at 800m and a former over-65s South of England cross country champion.

Alan, a retired police sergeant, originally from Woking, is a former county 3,000m steeplechase and cross country champion and was the 1990 British Police cross country champion.

He also wrote the athletics coverage for the Kent Messenger sports pages for 20 years until August 2016.

They are both members of the Tonbridge Athletic Club, where Alan coaches the Adult Development and Masters group, and both former members of Maidstone Harriers, Medway AC and Paddock Wood AC.

Mr Newman said: "In normal times we are regular competitors in British Masters Athletics Federation events at home and abroad.

"But after most overseas events had been cancelled due to Covid and our initial idea to marry in Las Vegas was dashed, we decided to do something different.

"We wore our British Masters athletics kit and celebrated with a run along the Medway towpath together with our witnesses.

"Our 'reception' was post-run takeaway coffees and mince pies kindly provided by the David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Maidstone."

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