VIDEO DESPITE fears the annual Felixstowe half marathon would become a casualty of the recent coastal sea surges, organisers today hailed the popular run as one of the best ever staged in the town.

DESPITE fears the annual Felixstowe half marathon would become a casualty of the recent coastal sea surges, organisers today hailed the popular run as one of the best ever staged in the town.

The prom, which makes up the final stretch of the 13.1 mile course, was battered by towering waves last week, as strong winds and high tides combined to devastating effect.

Sand and shingle was washed up from the beach, leaving a potentially dangerous running surface.

However, yesterday's event got the green light after road sweeps from Suffolk Coastal District Council were drafted in to clear the prom.

Race director Anne Oliver said: “We had problems because of the high tides and big waves which left lots of shingle on the prom.

“But luckily, the council turned up with their sweepers and cleared it all up.

“We had a very good turn out, with a record 560 entrants taking part and the calm weather was wonderful.”

Competitors, many of whom were raising money for worthy causes, enjoyed excellent running conditions, with clear skies and no repeat of the recent windy weather.

Organised by the Felixstowe Road Runners, Sunday's was the 21st half marathon to be staged in the town.

Friday's stormy weather tore up parts of the prom as waves pummelled the prom. Coastguards were caught out as high winds mixed with the exceptionally high tides to create havoc on the seafront.

For full half-marathon coverage, results and pictures see tomorrow's Evening Star.