A joyous July with a mixture of serious challenges for some Hayle Runners and smashing personal goals for others.
Starting the month with an impressive first was Jo Heather who took on an Aquathon in Penzance at Jubliee Pool. This swim and run combo competition was also attended by Diane Warren on July 3rd, using it as a warm up for some impressive competitions later in the month.
Two days later on July 5th, Margaret Clarke and Alex Brooks took on the Summer Sunset half in Perranporth. This scenic half marathon supports Cornwall Air Ambulance and sees runner taking part in and out-and-back course along the gorgeous north coast. Starting from Perranporth Beach, heading to the Bowgie Inn at Crantock, with the aim of returning at sunset within the four-hour cut off. Congrats to Margaret who won her age category.
Out of county, snaking along the Serpent Trail there was a fantastic showing from the Green Army who tackled a variety of distances.
Jennie Massey started out strong with the 10k Ultra, a great course featuring sandy trails and paths, while Alison Thomas came second in the 20k trail race.
Diane Warren stepped up to take on the 50k challenge, as did Hannah White, Ben Ferris and Naomi Astill, which started from the mid-point of the Serpent Trail.
Meanwhile a beautiful journey through lowland heath, ancient woodlands, coppices, greensand hills and quaint villages awaited Sarah. A. Praze, Michelle Fitt and Nick Kelly in the 75k Ultra.
On July 6th 37 Hayle Runners travelled to Saltash to take on the might of the Magnificent 7. A beauty of a road race with plenty of elevation – yep, it was hilly.. Number seven in the Cornish GP series
A magnificent round of applause goes to Oliver Brunnock who came an impressive fourth place overall, third in the under 35 age category, with a time of 42:12 – our highest placed Hayle Runner. But there was gold in them hills for Brunnock, who led Hayle men’s team to first place. He was joined by Liam O’Neill, Steven Hagan, Neil Hayhurst, Edmund Bennett and Peter Barnes.
Hayle Ladies team also put in an impressive performance, consisting of Melissa Nicholas, Fiona Gamble, Corinne Gerrard, Andrea Simmons, Laura Haghani and Zoe Renowden – they clinched second place.
Hayle’s fastest female was Melissa Nicholas, the seventh most speedy lady on the course with a time of 54:47, who also took first place in her age category (35-39). Less than four minutes behind in the 70-74 age category, it was Andrea Simmons shining a light for Hayle Runners, coming first with a time of 58:30.
Placing third in the 55-59 category was Ian Curnow, running to the finish line in 50:49.
Seconds in front of him, Jon Eldon was narrowly knocked off the top spot with less than a minute between himself and the 60-64 age category winner, completing the course in 50:44.
There were second place successes for both Chunky Penhaul in the 75-79 age category, with a time of 1:08:53. And not forgetting Stewart Townend, smashing the 80+ category with in 1:20:54.
For the full list of runners’ times, you can view the Mag 7 write up here.
Elsewhere on the same day Sam Dixon continued her 12 months of half marathons for charity challenge, taking part in the Summer Challenge in Exmouth. A scenic route along an old disused train line for these runners.
On July 12th Margaret Clarke took on her hottest ever parkrun – notching up number 70.
The 50th anniversary of the Turkey Trot saw a whopping 59 Hayle Runners compete in this short road race on July 16th.
Firing into first place for Hayle Runners was Joe Walker, who completed the course in just 20 minutes and 40 seconds. Without doubt one of the highlights was the phenomenal placings of the 70-74 ladies’ age category. Andrea Simmons took first place in 31:24, Diane Warren slid into second place in 37:03 and Karen Lovegrove tackled third place in 42:18.
There was similar success in the men’s 40-45 age category with Francis Malone-Lee going into first place with an impressive time of 22:54, Edmund Bennett took second with 23:33 and Lee Burford brought home fourth place in 24:04.
Taking the top four results in other categories, Melissa Nicholas once again flashed her first-place success with 28:19 in the 35-39 age category, while Joe Walker (20:40) and Sam Farmer (20:43) placed third and fourth in the 20-35 category. In the men’s 40-44 category Steven Hagan placed third with 23:16 and Jon Eldon was on top form taking the top spot in the 60-64 age category with a time of 26:17.
Rowan Mulliss impressed in the 70-74 category with a time of 35:03, securing second place. And there was second place success for Hayle Runners in the 75-79 and 80+ categories thanks to Chunky Penhaul (35:34) and Stewart Townend (42:29) respectively.
Of course, who can overlook the efforts of the Hayle Runners’ team results. Overall, Hayle came second for the men’s team thanks to Joe Walker, Sam Farmer, Daniel Costello, Daniel Millington, Oliver Brunnock and Jacob Gardner.
And celebrating fourth place in the team rankings was Hayle again thanks to Francis Malone-Lee, Ross Rielly, Steven Hagan, Edmund Bennett, Neil Hayhurst and Liam O’Neill
Not to be outdone, Hayle Runners ladies took fourth place thanks to Melissa Nicholas, Fiona Gamble, Lucy Paull, Rebecca Quick, Andrea Simmons and Laura Haghani.
Full race timings can be found on the on our Turkey Trot write up post.
For those unfamiliar with the Lakeland 100 mile and 50 mile, it’s widely regarded as the UK’s most spectacular long-distance trail race. If you want to know if it cuts the mustard, just ask Hannah White who did the 50m on July 25th in 17:26:50, or Ian Seabury who completed the 100m in 39:10:39. A massive challenge and an even bigger congratulations from your Green Army supporters.
And while Hannah and Ian were completing in silly distance races, Andrew and Jo Heather were Parkrun touristing at Thetford as part of their “do any many Parkruns as possible” tour.
On July 26th 17 Hayle Runners were cheered on by locals at the Tywardreath Trotter, featuring a half mile loop around the river, before heading into the woods and further along the river. There were lots of hills and steep rocky inclines, making for an interesting race.
There was a stack of course PBs for Hayle Runners, including a 5-minute PB for Hels Dunlop and an unbelievably awesome 7-minute PB for Melissa Tonkin.
Hayle men came third overall thanks to Liam O’Neill, Jon Eldon, Frazer Humbles and Andrew Searle. Jon Eldon took gold in the 60-64 age category, with Liam O’Neill snatching silver in the 35-39 category.
Elsewhere that day Diane Warren took on the full Ironman at the Outlaw Triathlon. Just in case you’re wondering – that’s a 3.8km swim, 180k bike ride and a 42.2km run. We are in awe.
Let’s all acknowledge that our very own Kate Frame is now an Ironwoman, having competed in her first Ironman competition in Leeds on July 27th.
Traversing spectacular mountain scenery along an epic journey of 3,178m of ascent over 100km, Steve Fuller smashed out the Beacons Way Ultra 100km on July 26th. A jaw-dropping accomplishment.
Finally, let’s not forget those who are embarking on their own feats of endurance, so a well done is in order for Jerry Cartlidge who managed his first run in three-months following an operation. Good to have you back running Jerry.