Just 22 ‘brides’ out for a run, as you (hen) do
A running group delighted residents as they sprinted along London
Road in Wokingham on Sunday – all dressed in white.
Members of Finch Coasters Running Club women wore wedding dresses, tiaras and veils, but the only knots they tied were in the laces of their running shoes.
Their dazzling dash was to celebrate the hen party of one of the runners, Vic Hillier.
Rebecca Margetts, one of the ‘brides’ said: “It was so much fun, and lovely to be able to celebrate with Vic.
“Everyone thought it would be a great idea to run in wedding dresses for afternoon tea.
“So we started at the St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, and ran to The Coppid Beech hotel for refreshments.
“It had drizzled all morning, but just as we set off, the sun came out for us.”
People who witnessed the mostly ivory and white satin sprint were amused to see 22 rushing brides, apparently determined to get to the church on time.
“It’s such a friendly group, and we range in age from those in their 20s to others in their 50s,” said Ms Margetts. “Running keeps us all physically active.”
Some wore their own wedding dresses, while others picked them up from charity shops or online.
“Vic managed to find a very puffy dress with an enormous train, which she had to carry over one arm for the duration of the run,” said Ms Margetts.
“It was fabulous, and all along the way, people in their cars were hooting and tooting, and enjoying the sight of us all, sprinting with our dresses hitched up.”
The Finch Coasters arrived in one piece at the Coppid Beech, with dresses intact, and no running accidents.
“Some of us are first class runners, while others are less experienced, but we all kept together, and no-one got left behind,” she continued.
“Vic loved it, and actually we all enjoyed it so much we are wondering whether it might become an annual event.”
■ For more about the running group, visit: www.finchcoasters. org.uk