Topping up the cellar with winnings from Mag 7

Hayle Runners looking for a mid-summer challenge took on the might of the Magnificent 7 on Sunday.

Delivering on its promise of being demanding, yet beautiful, this road race combined plenty of elevation with estuary views.

Number seven on the Cornish GP series event calendar the club and individuals put in a strong effort.

Organised by Tamar Trotters since 1999, Mag 7 started and finished at Saltash Rugby Club and pulled a mighty 37 Hayle Runners to the start line.

The course, forming a figure of eight through rural lanes around Elmgate and Forder Lake, featured undulating terrain with notable climbs near miles 1 and 5.5. Thankfully runners were treated to panoramic views over the Tamar and Lynher estuaries.

The morning started with a 1.5 fun run for juniors, followed by the main race at 11am. Entries were capped at 400; nearly 372 finishers completed the challenging course.

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 thar 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.

Banner photo by Mike Pitches Media