Hundreds of runners pounded the streets of seaside resort during an inaugural road race.

Felixstowe Road Runners launched the new Coastal 10 after the Felixstowe Half Marathon was axed two years ago because of police safety concerns about runners crossing busy roads.

The 10-mile race along the seafront took place today with more than 250 people taking part.

It started near the war memorial and then took runners along the prom towards the viewing point area before doubling back on themselves and towards Felixstowe Ferry and finish at the pier.

Richard Farnworth, chairman of Felixstowe Road Runners, said: “Apart from a very easterly and blowy day in Felixstowe, the Coastal 10 went really well and we were very pleased.

“As with any new event there were a couple of things we need to correct for next year but we had no casualties thank goodness.

“Okay, we had to run early in the morning to avoid traffic but hopefully it didn’t affect people coming into Felixstowe a bit later in the day.

“We will absolutely be coming back next year and it will become a regular event.”

In particularly difficult windy conditions, the race was won by Matthew Spencer from Ipswich JAFFA Running Club in a time of 56.10.

In second place was Steve Robinson from St Edmund Pacers in 57.51, while JAFFA’s Tom Fairbrother was third in 58.18.

Claire Miles, from Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers won the ladies race in 1.09.59.

The course was mainly flat with a couple of short uphill sections and a downhill finish.

Mr Farnworth added: “Felixstowe is very unique and we are a peninsula town.

“To use the seafront for the course is an added bonus.”

The Coastal 10 was sponsored by Mediterranean Shipping Company (UK) Limited.