Hayle Runners got off to a flying start to the new season at the Stormforce 10-mile road race, the first race in the 2022 Cornish Road Running Grand Prix season.
The club had a large entry in the race with 75 runners out of a total field of 560 runners who made their way from Camborne through Barripper to Realwa and Leedstown before looping back through Carnell Green to retrace their steps and race to the finish at Camborne School.
The Hayle team were led home for the men by Joshua Rowe, who had a great race finishing in an amazing time of 54 minutes and 19 seconds, and Melissa Nicholas for the women in a time of 70.53.
Melissa also helped the Hayle women’s team take third place in the team competition where she was joined by Melody Manners, Rebecca Tossell, Debbie Mitchell, Emily Ellen and Corinne Gerrard.
The women pipped the men’s team of Josh Rowe, Neil Hayhurst, Steve Fuller, Peter Barnes, Tom Rosenfeld and Ed Bennett, who just missed out on a podium place in their team competition.
There were also individual prizes for Neil Hayhurst, who was second in his 40-44 age group; Steve Fuller who was also second in his 50-54 age group; Chunky Penhaul was second in his 70-74 age group; Stewart Townsend was third in his over-75 age group; Diane Warren was second in her 65-69 age category; and Timothea Cardell who was first in her over-75 category.
There were many personal bests throughout the Hayle Runners team and brilliant club debut performances from numerous team members.
Members of the club wore ribbons in memory of their colleague and friend Matt Curtis who passed away late last year.
Lee Burford, Chair of Hayle Runners said: “It was great to see so many of the team giving the Stormforce race a go. Although a little chilly conditions were good and this helped toward so many great runs from the team and giving us a great start to the season.
“We are now looking forward to the Newquay 10k on February 6 when the season gets into full flow.”
[Featured image: Hayle Runners]