A RUNNING-MAD couple who met at a running club tied the knot in the most fitting way imaginable on Saturday.

James Waugh, 60, and Sarah Waugh, 47, of Warminster Road in Westbury, who have run over 50 half marathons and four full marathons between them, based their big day on a shared passion for running.

The couple, who met at Westbury Running Club five years ago, completed one lap of the Southwick parkrun at 9am before officially cementing their marriage at County Hall, Trowbridge – still in their running gear.

They then dashed back to Southwick Country Park where they exchanged rings before taking part in their first run as a married couple together along with family, friends and fellow runners, which they dubbed the Freedom Run.

Mum-of-two Mrs Waugh, formerly Amey, who works at Westbury-based Welton, Bibby and Baron, said: “It was such a magical day and couldn’t have gone any better.

“There was such a relaxed atmosphere but at the same time we felt so much love, which is just what we wanted.

“Everyone kept thanking us for such a special day but we wanted to thank them.

“Three very special people acted as our witnesses including two of my friends who convinced me to start running – if it wasn’t for them I never would have met James.”

After the Freedom Run, which included the couple running through an arch formed by their guests, everyone went to the country park’s café and the newlyweds had a meal in the evening.

Instead of asking for presents from guests, they asked for donations and raised nearly £450 for the Hope Nature Centre, which provides jobs for adults with learning disabilities.

“We decided to get married on April 1 as we’re both nutters,” said dad-of-two Mr Waugh, who also works for Welton, Bibby and Baron as an engineer.

“We invited anyone who wanted to come along to the Freedom Run and were really happy with the turnout.

“It was lovely to have our family and friends there as well as runners from the parkrun who wanted to stay on for our special run.

“The exchanging of the rings was very special but the main part of the proceedings was the Freedom Run and it was superb.”

On Sunday morning, the couple took part in the trial run of Shepton Mallet's parkrun before enjoying a stay in a luxury room at Orchardleigh Estate, which they won in a raffle.