Couple to take part in 10km race just hours before their marriage

Anna Henly will literally be a "runaway bride" when she takes part in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run just before getting married.

She and her groom Robin McBride have also persuaded about 20 of their wedding guests to join them on Sunday, 2 May.

After completing the 10km race, they will have two hours to get ready before their wedding at Edinburgh Castle that afternoon.

As a commercial photographer, Miss Henly has worked at many weddings and knew she wanted something different. She also thought it would be a good opportunity to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, after her brother-in-law Matthew Robinson died of the disease last year.

She said: "I always thought it would be fun to be the 'runaway' bride and coincide a wedding day with the Edinburgh 10k. Because I have photographed at least 300 weddings, I have never got around to organising my own and wanted our wedding day to be about having fun with our friends in a very special place, rather than agonising about the perfect white dress.

"My young brother-in-law died of cancer last year, which is another reason why we decided it really was time to get married and has made me feel more grateful than ever that I am alive, living in the city I love, with the man that I love and that I can run."

The couple, who live near Hillend, met 15 years ago through mutual friends. They realised they had both studied mechanical engineering in Edinburgh and had a shared love of adventure and the outdoors. They have run several 10km runs and take part in the Edinburgh Rat Race every year.

They moved back to the city four years ago, although Mr McBride, an engineer, has been dividing his time between Edinburgh and Norway for the last few years.

Miss Henly is preparing for the race with her sister, Kathy, a personal trainer who works with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and who won the female over-40s category of the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run a few years ago.

They will have guests coming from as far away as Alaska and Singapore for the wedding.

She said: "Most people thought we were completely mad when I suggested it, but I can't believe how many of them have decided to join in. Some have said it would be good motivation to get fit and one commented I should get married more often!"

Mr McBride said: "We do the race every year, and have a bit of a party afterwards for our friends. This year we'll have another reason to celebrate.

"I was surprised so many people decided to join us, but Anna can be very persuasive!"

To support Miss Henly, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Anna-Henly.