Runner Completes 100th Marathon at Eden Project Event’s 15th Anniversary

Published On: 20 October 2025Last Updated: 20 October 2025By CornishStuff

📷 Eden Marathon 2025 by Rob Donald

A seasoned marathon runner reached an incredible milestone at the Eden Project Marathon and Half-Marathon on Sunday 19th October 2025, as the event celebrated its 15th anniversary.

100 Marathons and Counting

Adrian Bastian, aged 57 from Helston, Cornwall, crossed the finish line of his 100th marathon in front of the iconic Biomes with a time of 05:01:35. Adrian, a member of the 100 Marathon Club, has now completed nine marathons at the Eden Project.

He said: “Funnily enough, my first race was the Eden Half Marathon, I think in about 2008, so the Eden Marathon has always had a place in my heart.”

Adrian’s next challenges include the Bys Vyken Lighthouse Ultra Marathon in November and the gruelling 100-mile Arc of Attrition in January 2026.

📷Eden Marathon 2025 by Rob Donald

Records Fall in the 15th Year

Despite a wet start, the event saw records broken across several categories, including three consecutive wins in the men’s full marathon and the fastest women’s half marathon in the event’s history.

Steven Reynolds from Truro Running Club achieved his third straight victory in the men’s marathon with a time of 03:00:09, marking the first-ever hat-trick of wins since the event began in 2009.

In second place was Johnny Hesnan of Wadebridge with a time of 03:01:17, followed by Ross Portass from Plymouth at 03:14:52.

The fastest woman in this year’s full marathon was Kerrie-Ann Grant from Bideford, finishing in 03:59:58, ahead of Mia Flanagan from Yelverton at 04:05:56 and Dulcie Gatehouse from Bridport at 04:10:39.

📷Anna Harrold - women's half 1st place - Eden Half Mrathon 2025 by Rob Donald

Half-Marathon Highlights

In the half-marathon, Lloyd Milbourn from Plymouth finished first with a time of 01:22:53. Second place went to Fergal Stephenson of St Austell, completing in 01:25:34, followed by Marcus Fletcher from Frome, representing Team Bath, at 01:27:21.

Truro’s Anna Harrold made history by breaking the women’s half marathon record with a time of 01:23:50, also finishing second overall. The previous record was held by Lesley Locks from Fleet, Hampshire, who clocked 01:26:54 in 2017.

Lauren Knox from Plymouth, running with Storm Plymouth, came second in the women’s category with a time of 01:30:38, followed by Laura Macro from Exeter, representing South West Road Runners, at 01:33:13.

📷Eden Marathon 2025 by Rob Donald

A Cornish Classic

More than 1,200 runners signed up for this year’s race, with participants travelling from as far as Australia, the Netherlands and Germany to tackle the challenging multi-terrain course. Over 17,000 people have taken part since the event began, helping to make it one of Cornwall’s standout endurance events.

Each year, runners are rewarded at the finish line with a medal, a Cornish pasty and a beer courtesy of St Austell Brewery, as they complete the route that winds through spectacular Cornish landscapes before finishing in front of the Eden Biomes.

Tracey Smith, the Eden Project’s commercial manager, said: “We’re thrilled to have hosted such a milestone moment for Adrian here, and seen some incredible new records created, especially during our 15th year of running this event. All of the runners taking part perfectly capture the spirit of the event – determination, grit and community.

“It’s been wonderful to see this event grow over the years, and we extend our thanks to our partners at St Austell Running Club who make this event possible. We can’t wait to welcome the runners back next year as Eden marks its 25th birthday.”

Doug Alsop, race director, added: “It’s been a privilege to partner with the Eden Project in the running of this fantastic event for 15 years. It continues to inspire and attract runners of all abilities from all over the world.

“Congratulations to all who took part and a special thank you to everyone who helps keeps this event running smoothly, including our wonderful volunteers and marshalls.”

📷Kerrie-Ann Grant - women's first place marathon - Eden Marathon 2025 by Rob Donald

Famous Faces and Fundraising

Over the years, the Eden Project Marathon and Half-Marathon has seen participants ranging in age from 17 to the mid-70s, along with a few well-known faces. DJ Scott Mills took part in 2011, raising £10,000 for the MS Society, while Love Island’s Luke Mabbott ran his first marathon there last year, cheered on by fiancée Lucie Donlan.

Funds raised from entry fees support the creation of wildflower habitats at the Eden Project, helping pollinators and wildlife thrive.

The next Eden Marathon and Half-Marathon will take place on Sunday 18th October 2026, during the Eden Project’s 25th birthday year.

To register your interest, visit www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-on/eden-marathon-and-half-marathon