THE final race of the year in the 2024/25 Cornish Multi-Terrain Race Series – the St Piran’s Revenge – was held at Perranporth on Sunday, December 15.

This year saw extra challenges, more dunes, more ascent – over 1,000 feet, beach, dunes and coastal path – challenging climbs and speedy descents in a beautiful setting – a Special Site of Scientific Interest and Area of Conservation.

The organisers – Perran Trail Runners – were very grateful to the consent from local landowners, Natural England and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust who manage the area.

In keeping with the ethos of the club, the medals were made from shells and there were some interesting sustainable trophies, some made from the flotsam and jetsom from the beach!

As for the race itself, Falmouth Running Club’s Ed Dickinson took the honours in a time of 40:49; exactly a minute and a half clear of Steve Reynolds from Truro Running Club.

Newquay Road Runners’ Gareth Greeves was third, 25 seconds behind.

The ladies’ race was won by Dickinson’s club-mate Ruth Barnes in a time of 45:24 which was 51 seconds ahead of Clare Mitchell from Truro. Anna Philps (Truro) was third in 46:55.

As for local runners, Launceston Road Runner David Starley was fourth overall and second in the M30-34 age group.

He completed the course in 42:53 and was just nine seconds adrift of third.

Jon Kappes and Ian Grimes
Jon Kappes (left) and Ian Grimes (right) were second in their respective age groups. Pictures: Launceston Road Runners (Launceston Road Runners)

To round off a good day for the club there were also two other seconds – Jon Kappes (51:46) in the 55-59 section and Ian Grimes (1:11:19) in the M70-74 age group.

Joe Thomson (47:59) and Mark Simpson (1:12:22) also got around.

Bude RATs’ Morgan Craig finished in 44:42 for 10th overall and second in the M45-49 age group behind Truro Running Club’s Alex Marples.

Morgan Craig
Morgan Craig (69) flies down the sand on his way to a tenth-placed finish in the St Piran's Revenge race. Picture: Will Harper-Penrose (Will Harper-Penrose)

Four Launceston runners also completed the gruelling Fairytale of Newquay on Saturday, December 15.

Three members – Angela Brinicombe (3:20:05), Vikki Savage (4:22:33) and Jo Bailey (4:22:35) did the gruelling 15-mile half marathon which starts in Harlyn and takes in the South West Coastpath before ending at Newquay Porth beach, while Nick Smith (6:13:51) did the 30-mile ultra which is the same route before returning to the start.

Fairytale of Newquay.
The four Launceston Road Runners who took on the very difficult Fairytale of Newquay race along the North Cornwall coastline. From left: Vikki Savage, Nick Smith and Jo Bailey with Angela Brinicombe seated. Picture: Launceston Road Runners (Launceston Road Runners)

The club would like to offer their congratulations to all members who took part and wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!