The signs were there from the very start, Hayle Runners were due to make history in 2025 with outstanding race results throughout this year’s Cornish Grand Prix.
On Sunday, November 23rd the glimmer of hope that grew as the month’s went on shone into resounding success with both the men’s and ladies’ team clinching joint first place.
It’s the first time in the club’s history that Hayle Runners has won the GP series.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to claim our first-ever GP Series title. This is a milestone our whole club has fought hard to achieve. Every runner who lined up this season, every member who pushed a teammate in training, and every coach, leader, volunteer, and supporter who kept us moving forward played a vital part in this result.
Richard Collett
Club Chairman
“Finishing in joint first place shows just how far we’ve come and how fiercely we’ve competed this year. We’re excited to build on this momentum and see what the 2026 season brings.”
High praise has to go to Melissa Nicholas and Fiona O’Neill who came overall 2nd and 3rd place winners of the GP series. Melissa came first in her 35-39 age category, with Fiona taking gold in the 40-44 category.
“Our ladies have worked extremely hard this year and it has paid off big time. Not only have our ladies team got to the top of the GP circuit, but all our ladies who have taken part in the races have played their part in getting Hayle ladies where they are. As ladies captain, I am extremely proud of each and every one of the ladies. A wonderful club to belong to.”
Hels Dunlop
Ladies Captain
There were 15 age category winners for the overall GP series from Hayle Runners. The other 13 were:
Jemma Kearney – 3rd U35
Corinne Gerrard – 2nd 50-54
Mel Burgess – 3rd 55-59
Andrea Simmons – 1st 70-74
Diane Warren – 2nd 70-74
Liam O’Neill – 3rd 35-39
Steve Hagan – 2nd 40-44
Neil Hayhurst – 3rd 40-44
Edmund Bennett – 2nd 45-49
Jon Eldon – 1st 60-64
Rowan Mulliss – 3rd 70-74
Chunky Penhaul – 1st 75-79
Stewart Townend – 1st 80-84
A shout out also goes to Jemma Kearney who finished 3rd in the mini-GP (under 18s competition).
“After coming close over the last few years, the men have finally got their reward of finishing as joint winners of the GP series. It’s no mean feat to finish in joint first, it’s an incredibly competitive field. It’s testament to the strength in depth Hayle has in its ranks, as many different men have made the team at various races and it shows the club is in a really good place. I’m so pleased and proud of everyone involved with the men’s teams and club in general.”
Paul Warmington
Mens Captain
The silverware didn’t stop with the age category winners – trophies were also handed out to 34 Hayle Runners who completed 8 and the 14 series races. These were:
Laura Haghani
Corinne Gerrard
Emma Johns
Zoe Renowden
Diane Warren
Jemma Kearney
Helen Squire
Jackie Stone
Andrea Simmons
Mel Burgess
Bridget Lewis
Helen Cuthbert
Samantha Collier
Sam Kearney
Neil Hayhurst
Kieran Murrant
Todd Reynolds
Rowan Mulliss
Edmund Bennett
David Wilding
Andrew Searle
Nathan Cudmore
Peter Kearney
Cas Leo
Steven Hagan
David Guffick
Frazer Humbles
Chunky Penhaul
Chris Campbell
Michael Orchard
Andrew Heather
David Gill
Stewart Townend
Mark Squire
Completing at least 8 of the races to claim a trophy is a great achievement, but huge respect has to go to the 6 Hayle Runners who completed all 14 events. Those runners were:
Anthony Burrows
Darren Uren
Fiona O’Neill
Jon Eldon
Liam O’Neill
Melissa Nicholas
Darren Uren picked up the prize of “most consecutive GP races” and Stewart Townend took the title of “oldest competitor.”
Mob Match
The end of season celebrations were held at Princess Pavilions in Falmouth after the traditional series finale event, Mob Match. The series is sponsored by Cornwall Glass.
This 5-mile road race is a team event, with a fantastic 49 Hayle Runners taking part. It started around the magnificent Pendennis Headland, along Falmouth’s iconic seafront, passing Gyllyngvase and Swanpool beaches, before a fast finish outside the Falmouth Hotel.
Congratulation to Diane Warren, who took gold in the 70-74 age category and Neil Hayhurst, taking first place in the 45-49 age category.
Hayle ladies took third place in the female team category, thanks to Lucy Paull, Melodie Manners, Debbie Harrison-Webb, Lee Strickland, Corinne Gerrard, Kate Frame, Anna Goodman, Laura Haghani, Bridget Lewis and Mel Burgess.
Not to be outdone Hayle men smashed second place in the male team category, thanks to Daniel Costello, Sam Farmer, Neil Hayhurst, Jacob Gardner, Ross Reilly, Kieran Murrant, David Guffick, James Manning, Mark Williams and Scott Abraham.
The overall results for Mob Match saw Daniel Costello and Sam Farmer taking 4th and 5th place respectively.