The Gribbin 10k, Brutal But Beautiful

Described as ‘not for the faint hearted’, we’re considering adding an additional letter B the Gribbin 10k. When people ask why? We’ll tell them the three Bs stand for ‘brutal but beautiful’. For that how was one of the Hayle Runners run leaders described this Wednesday evening’s route.

With approximately 330m – that’s 1080ft – ascent, this was a race taking competitors to the very top – of their limits!

Steep climbs and a challenging terrain, saw 12 Hayle runners tackle coast path, tarmac, meadow and steps – those steps, those endless thigh-burning, soul searching steps.

First male for Hayle and first in his age category (35-39), was Liam O’Neill taking fifth place overall.

Jon Eldon is proving almost unbeatable for yet another season, taking the top spot in the 60-64 age category. And he was joined in the celebrations by Chunky Penhaul running straight to first place in the 75-79 age category.

Sadly, Yelda Müge Parsons twisted her ankle just moments after starting the race and had to pull out.

The 10k looped route started and finished at Menabilly House with glorious views. Perhaps a favourite was reaching the tower at Gribbin Head, followed by a run towards views of Fowey. If ever there was a pinch-me moment, that had to be it.

(The tower is the large red and white structure use to aid navigation of ships approaching local harbours.)

The race is one of the last of the calendar year for the MTRS series, with just two more to go until the end of the current season.