Carn Runners Celebrate 35th Anniversary with July Relay Run

A running club with roots stretching back to 1991 is marking a major milestone this year, as Carn Runners celebrates its 35th anniversary with a series of events reflecting its long history and community spirit.

Founded in the summer of 1991, Carn Runners has grown from a small group brought together by a newspaper advert into a thriving club with around 80 members of all ages and abilities. Remarkably, some of those original members are still running with the club today.

A 35-Mile Celebration Across Camborne and Redruth

As part of the anniversary celebrations, members will take on a 35-mile run split into five-mile sections around the Camborne and Redruth area.

The highlight of these celebrations will be the Camborne to Carn, Coral Relay on Sunday 19th July 2026. The event will see runners complete a 35-mile relay across seven legs, carrying the club flag from Camborne Cricket Club to the summit of Carn Brea.

From a Simple Idea to a Lasting Club

Carn Runners began when Dennis Burrell spotted an advert asking if anyone would be interested in forming a running club. Having already completed events including the Duchy, Dartmoor, Athens, and London Marathons, Dennis saw the value in creating something more social and supportive.

The first meeting took place at Broad Lane Chapel Hall in Illogan, with around 15 people attending, including Martin Eddy, who placed the advert.

Among those early members were Tommy Polglase and Glynn Davis, both of whom are still running with the club today.

Built for Everyone

From the beginning, Carn Runners was designed to be inclusive, welcoming runners without pressure or barriers.

The club name reflected its local roots, chosen to represent both Camborne and Redruth without favouring either town. Its connection to Carn Brea made it a natural choice.

Initially based at Broad Lane Chapel Hall, the club later moved to Holmans Sports Club in Camborne as membership grew.

Racing History and Club Colours

The club’s first race outing was a trip to the Taunton Half Marathon, where members wore fluorescent yellow t-shirts with the Carn Runners name printed in blue.

Those colours, fluorescent yellow and royal blue, were chosen because no other club used anything similar, and they remain the club’s identity today.

Carn Runners has also played a role in organising races over the years. Its original event, the Blaythorne 10, started with fewer than 80 runners and later became the opening race in the Cornwall Road Running Grand Prix.

Following a move to Camborne School, the race became the Stormforce 10, keeping the same route but reflecting the challenging conditions often faced in January.

In 2026, the club introduced the Trevithick 12K, designed to appeal to a wider range of runners. The first event attracted over 700 runners and sold out.

Competitive Success and Social Spirit

While the club has always maintained a strong social side, it has also achieved competitive success.

The Carn Runners ladies team won the Cornwall Grand Prix overall team competition in 2006 and 2007, and members have represented Cornwall across a range of events.

Today, members take part in road and trail races, marathons, ultra-marathons, triathlons, swimming, and cycling, alongside regular social group runs.

Still Running After 35 Years

One of the most notable parts of the club’s story is the continued involvement of its earliest members.

Dennis Burrell, now aged 81, is still running with the club, alongside Tommy Polglase and Glynn Davis.

Their ongoing participation highlights the club’s focus on enjoyment, consistency, and community over decades.

Looking Ahead

As Carn Runners reaches its 35-year milestone, the club continues to grow while maintaining the same welcoming approach it was founded on.

With a full calendar of events, a mix of experienced and new runners, and a strong social core, the club remains focused on bringing people together through running as it looks to the future.