The first Wombourne half-marathon was today hailed as a runaway success with 650 people taking part.

Runners travelled from as far afield as Dunfermline in Fife, and Cornwall, to take part in yesterday’s event, staged to raise the profile of the area.

Marathon chairman Ray Dudley said: “It was a brilliant day. Everything went like clockwork. We had elite runners,  joggers wearing fancy dress, and even walkers.

“We chose a course that was picturesque and took in Wombourne and the surrounding countryside. It has put Wombourne on the map.

“I am sure that it will become an annual event.”

The race was a family occasion for Mr Dudley with his wife Mandy and two children Matt, 27, and 23-year-old Faye all taking part.

It was won by Martin Williams of Dudley in 1hr nine minutes and seven seconds. The first woman to finish was Angela Collier of Brierley Hill, in 1hr 24 minutes and 24 seconds.