More than 400 fun runners took over the new Coulsdon bypass to celebrate the pending opening of the road. Runners pounded the new three kilometres road on Saturday to usher in the much anticipated opening of the relief road.

It is hoped that after a string of delays the road will finally be opened before Christmas.

Graham Lomas, chairman of Coulsdon Neighbourhood Partnership, said: "Life has been anything but calm for the last month as we rushed to put this event on before the deadline of the opening of the bypass.

"The building of the road took three years but we only knew for certain of the Christmas opening at the end of October. It has been hectic but worthwhile, judging by the enthusiastic reaction of the public who came in droves."

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Stride

Runners on the new Coulsdon bypass.

Great fun

Runners on the new Coulsdon bypass.

Pram

Runners on the new Coulsdon bypass before it opened to traffic.

Faster

Runners on the new Coulsdon bypass before it opened to traffic.

In their stride

Rob Grozier, Zoe Collins, Lewis Walker, and Colin Young take part in the run.

Warm up

Veronica McCleave and Nicky Leaker get ready for the big race.

On the run

Runners on the new Coulsdon bypass.

Stride	Great fun	Pram
Faster	In their stride	Warm up
On the run