Confetti was thrown into the air as an inaugural race attracted a fine turnout – and it also marked an extra special occasion.

Eastern Daily Press: The inaugural Lowestoftt half marathon. Race winner Michael Eccles. Pictures: MICK HOWESThe inaugural Lowestoftt half marathon. Race winner Michael Eccles. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

The Nicholsons Solicitors Lowestoft Half-Marathon saw 320 people at the starting line as the UK's most easterly event was hailed a success.

And for newlyweds Tom and Sarah James, from Bradwell, near Great Yarmouth, their first day together as man and wife was celebrated in style – as they raised money for charity by completing the race in each other's wedding clothes.

Spurred on to do 'something a little bit crazy' they raised about £600 for Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.

The couple were married in Martham on Saturday, and after dancing the night away at their wedding reception at the Parkhill Hotel in Oulton they were lining up just hours later yesterday morning alongside best man Ian Cullen and chief bridesmaid Sarah Willoughby and hundreds of other runners.

Eastern Daily Press: The inaugural Lowestoftt half marathon. Pictures: MICK HOWESThe inaugural Lowestoftt half marathon. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

Mrs James, 26, said. 'Everything was perfect, it all went to plan and could not have gone any better. It has been an amazing weekend, and we are absolutely thrilled with what has been raised.

'We both decided to do something a little bit crazy as we thought it would be an excellent first day together – and it has been. We did not want to miss this opportunity as we won't ever get a chance like this again.'

Mr James, 31, added: 'This was the first thing we've done as a married couple. And what is it they say? Start as you mean to go on!'

The wedding party was joined by a fine turnout of runners for this first-ever half-marathon.

Cheered on by enthusiastic spectators, 320 runners ran 13.1 miles to support vulnerable young people and their families – profits from the event are donated to Break as well as numerous other organisations. The runners were sent on their way by mayor of Lowestoft Nick Webb, who said: 'Thank you all for giving up your time for this, the very first Nicholsons Solicitors Lowestoft Half-Marathon.'

Waveney MP Peter Aldous, who later presented the prizes, said: 'Ness Point is very suitable for this type of event and special thanks go to all who organised it, and the runners for raising money for charity.'

Darren Newman, Lowestoft Vision BID manager, said: 'Lowestoft Vision are proud to sponsor this race and well done to all the team at Nicholsons Solicitors and Break for organising a great event with a fantastic turnout. I think it's great for Lowestoft to have the most easterly half-marathon here.'

Helen Dingle, of Break, added: 'It was amazing. For the first event – the most easterly half-marathon – there was a really great atmosphere and it will be happening again.'

The race winner was Michael Eccles, of Norfolk Gazelles, meaning the Norfolk cricketer made it a quickfire town double – after winning the Lowestoft Scores Race last month.