Starting the year in style – that’s exactly how Hayle Runners tackled the first race in this season’s GP series.
The new Trevithick 12k took place on Sunday, January 18th, and gave the Green Army the chance to show they’re going to be a formidable force yet again in 2026.
With 99 club runners taking part in the inaugural race there was a sea of green both on the course and off it, with Hayle members out in force to cheer.
Storm Force 10 was previously the first race of the GP series, a challenging 10-mile course around.
This year the organisers, Carn Runners revised the route, creating the shorter Trevithick 12k. Competitors made their way through Penponds, Barripper, Carnhell Green, Reawla and Rosewarne before looping back to the finish. With 131m of total ascent and 126m of descent, the route balanced rolling terrain with long runnable stretches that encouraged quick times. Hayle ladies came in strong, powering into first place thanks to Tear Lily, Charlotte Bennett, Kirsty Medlock, Debbie Jayne, Fiona Gamble and Lee Strickland.
They were joined on the podium by Hayle’s men’s team who also took first place, comprising of Sam Farmer, Neil Hayhurst, Jordan Morant, Ross Reilly, Jack Newman and Kieran Murrant.
There was a swathe of age category prizes. Tear Lily took bronze in the under-35 group, Kirsty Medlock came in third in the 45-49, Charlotte Bennett smashed gold in the 50-54 category, while Debbie Harrison Webb snatched silver in the 55-59 group. Margaret Clark celebrated bronze in the 65-69, and there was double podium success in the 70-74 age group for Andrea Simmons taking gold and Diane Warren taking silver.
The men also had an impressive haul, with Sam Farmer taking gold in the under 35 category, Jordan Morant sweeping his was to third in the 35-39 group, Paul Warmington clinched silver 40-44 group, while Neil Hayhurst was top of the podium with gold in the 45-49 category.
Celebrations continued as Ian Curnow took silver in the 55-59 category, Steve Wherry gained gold in the 60-64 group, as did Jon Eldon with gold in the 65-69, Chunky Penhaul took home silver in the 75-79 category and Steward Townend was crowned king with first place in the 80+ group.
“A cracking start of the GP season for Hayle Runners. Winning both the men’s and ladies’ team competitions, and picking up 15 age category prizes, really shows the depth of the club and the effort our members are putting in across the board.
The conditions were spot on, the new Trevithick 12K route was a great test, and Carn Runners did an excellent job hosting a well-run event. We’re proud of the performances, but just as pleased with how the club turned out and raced together.”
Richard Collett
Club Chairman
Alongside an impressive collection of silverware, there was success for many Hayle Runners, with a stack of PBs.
Laura Patryas, Sam Kearney, Amy Greef, Ruby King and Teigan Turner proudly crossed the finish line with a 10k PB, Soraya Williams also managed a 5k PB alongside a 10k PB. Of course being the first time around the route, it’s fair to say every single Hayle Runner received a PB. One to mark yourself against in 2027.
Race 2 in the GP series in Newquay 10k on Sunday, February 1st.