Hayle Runners head north for the Bude Lifeboat Run

If you’re looking for a scenic route on an early Summer’s evening, supported by smiles a plenty from a swathe of volunteers then make sure you put Bude Lifeboat Run in your event calendar.

For the 11 Hayle Runners who took the trip to the tip of North Cornwall, Wednesday’s run was worth every mile.

Winding along the river, this easy-going trail race is part of the Multi Terrain Race Series in the 2024/2025 season. For some Hayle Runners this was a pivotal race in getting the magic seven required for the end of year trophy.

For others it was an opportunity to get a great placing and knock out some of the tougher trail challenges in the MTRS, to add an even better time to their overall placing.

It was definitely a warm Wednesday evening for the runners who took on the single lap course comprising of tarmac, concrete, cycleway, canal towpath, farm track and footpaths.

For the seniors there was a ‘6 mile’ race – in quotes as it was closer to 6.5 miles – with the evening starting with a 1-mile junior race. If you took a moment to look behind you at the mile-4 marker, there were beautiful views out to sea.

Crossing the finish line and taking second in their age-categories were Hayle Runners’ own dream team, Liam O’Neill (35-39) and Fiona Gamble (40-44). Bude couldn’t put a stop to Jon Eldon’s age category (60-64) winning streak, once again taking the top spot.

Following the 2025 event, we’re confident that Bude RATs would know how to throw a fine party, as the organisation and big event feel to this race made for a great night out. Race HQ was Bude Rugby Club, with facilities including showers, a bar and a BBQ.

The commentators reading out race numbers and cheering in the runners was a great ‘big race’ touch, but the biggest shout has to go out to the many, many volunteers who manned the route. With supportive smiles, bells and encouraging words, they are a credit to the event.

Proceeds from the Bude Lifeboat Run support the fantastic work of the RNLI and the lifesaving and educational work the organisation provides.