The Green Army take on the Turkey Trot

If this race were a film, we’re thinking The Long Road Home would be appropriate.

It wouldn’t be fair to liken the Turkey Trot to a portrayal of World War II, however the movie’s title seemed incredibly appropriate for this short four-mile course.

On Wednesday no less than 59 Hayle Runners made their way along the significant stretch of road that went on, and on and ON as part of the route of this GP series event.

After being treated to the delights on an easy downhill first mile, a cruel climb uphill was waiting – and then came the drag. The long road home back to the race start at Tricky’s pub in Redruth.

Firing into first place for Hayle Runners was Joe Walker, who completed the course in just 20 minutes and 40 seconds.

With so many Hayle Runners taking part, the results table was destined to be dominated by the Green Army.

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.

This year Cornwall AC celebrated 50 years of the Turkey Trot and runners were treated to a fantastic memorial medal to mark the anniversary.

Club chairman, Richard Collett describes the Turkey Trot as a ‘firm favourite’ on the summer race calendar.

“A well-organised, fast four-mile event with a great atmosphere back at Tricky’s. Hayle Runners put in another strong showing this year, with the men’s team taking an impressive 2nd and 4th place, and the ladies team securing 4th.”

“We were especially proud to come home with 12 age category prizes (three more than last year), including a remarkable clean sweep in the female 70–74 group, taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd. It was a fantastic day of racing and a great showcase of the club’s strength across all age groups.”

Richard Collett
Club Chairman