Double delight for Hayle Runners at Aggie

Scorching temperatures and stifling humidity failed to slow Hayle Runners as 61 members descended on St Agnes for the seventh race of the 2026 Cornwall GP series.

A relatively new race to the series, the St Agnes 5 Miler, affectionately known by many as the “Aggie 5”, took runners on a picturesque but challenging anti-clockwise loop around St Agnes Beacon. Starting at the Miners and Mechanics Institute, competitors headed out towards St Agnes Head before returning around the Beacon and back into the village for a fast finish in the centre of St Agnes.

Despite the testing conditions, the Green Army produced another dominant display, with both the men’s and ladies’ teams claiming first place.

The victorious ladies’ team comprised Emma Paull, Charlotte Bennett, Melodie Manners, Gail Aspden, Teigan Turner and Tear Rogers, while Sam Farmer, Daniel Costello, Daniel Millington, Jordan Morant, Peter Barnes and Neil Hayhurst combined to secure the top spot for the Hayle men.

There was further success at the sharp end of the field, with Sam Farmer producing another outstanding run to finish second overall, while Emma Paull claimed second lady overall in another exceptional performance.

Hayle Runners also collected an incredible 18 age-category prizes.

For the ladies, Melodie Manners secured second place in the 35-39 category, Emma Paull won the 40-44 category, Charlotte Bennett took gold in the 50-54 category and Gail Aspden topped the 55-59 category. Margaret Clark claimed silver in the 65-69 age group, while Andrea Simmons won the 70-74 category ahead of teammate Diane Warren in second.

The men’s success continued with Sam Farmer winning the Under-35 category, Daniel Costello taking bronze in the same age group, Jordan Morant finishing second in the 35-39 category and Liam O’Neill securing bronze. Peter Barnes won the 40-44 category, Neil Hayhurst claimed victory in the 45-49s and Francis Malone-Lee took second place. Mark Williams secured bronze in the 55-59 category, Steven Wherry finished third in the 60-64 age group, Jon Eldon once again topped the 65-69 category and Chunky Penhaul rounded off the podium finishes with third place in the 75-79 category.

There were personal milestones too, with Tammy Kearney taking an impressive one minute and 13 seconds off her previous course best, while David Wilding shaved 46 seconds from his previous fastest Aggie 5 time despite the challenging conditions.

“The 5 mile distance has a habit of lulling you into a false sense of security. It doesn’t sound too intimidating until you add a humid summer evening, the climbs around the Beacon and 318 runners all trying to beat each other to the finish.

“Winning both team competitions, bringing home 18 age-category prizes and seeing Sam and Emma both finish second overall made it a fantastic evening for Hayle Runners. I’m especially pleased to see course PBs from Tammy and David despite the conditions. On a night like that, just crossing the finish line without melting felt like an achievement in itself.”

Richard Collett
Club Chairman

Hayle Runners would like to thank Ben Kent and his team at Into-Tri, the marshals, volunteers and supporters for organising another fantastic evening of racing.