Runaway brides....

Running group stops traffic in Wisconsin town by donning wedding regalia
at 9:26 on April 11, 2005, EST.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - About 50 people gave new meaning to the term "runaway bride" when they donned matrimonial regalia and ran through town, sometimes stopping traffic.

Everyone from pretend priests to brides and grooms of both genders took part in the first Running of the Brides on Saturday.

Liz Zelandais found the run difficult, and not just because of the champagne she drank.

"Pulling a train is one thing," she said, tugging the $2 thrift-store gown over her tennis shoes. "But having to run with a train is unbelievable."

The run was put on by the Madison branch of the Hash House Harriers, an internationally known "drinking group with a running problem."

"This way we can have the party without a pre-nup or divorce," said Zelandais, who organized the event. "It's sort of a no-fault wedding experience."

The hashers have previously held pirate-themed runs, and all members - male and female - don red dresses for an annual evening run. Even on their relatively "normal" weekly Saturday afternoon runs they always stop for beers and run maze-like courses.

"It's very important to revert to infantile behaviour for one day a week if you're forced to be an adult for the other six," said veteran hasher Marc Brand, who wore a veil and tutu. "It's therapeutic."