Hayle Runners Take On Boconnoc 5 Trail Race

Sixteen runners, five miles of estate trails, and one monster climb standing between them and the finish line. The Hayle Runners returned to Boconnoc this year with personal bests, podium finishes, and a couple of familiar faces refusing to give up their top spots.

The Green Army sent eight men and eight women to Lostwithiel on 6th May for the MTRS trail race, set in the private grounds of the Boconnoc estate.

A course that doesn’t let up

The five mile route is anything but flat. Steep hills, open fields, woodland sections, and a stretch of sweet downhill tarmac just before mile four give runners a brief taste of relief, before a savage climb in the final half mile sets them up for the finish.

Podium performances

Liam O’Neill continued his strong run of form at Boconnoc, coming in as third male overall and taking gold in the 35-39 age category. Liam clocked 31:22, knocking a useful chunk off his 32:04 from last year, when he was also the fastest Hayle Runner.

There were further top spot finishes for Ian Curnow in the 55-59 age group and Jon Eldon, who held on to first place in the 65-69 category. Jon’s time of 35:17 was more than two minutes quicker than the 37:41 he ran in 2025.

Deborah Sturges, who made her Boconnoc debut last year with a bronze in the 65-69 group, returned to claim third in the same category again, finishing in a time almost identical to her 2025 run.

Hayle Runners coach Melodie Manners had a strong day too, finishing second female overall and winning the 35-39 age category.

Full results

Claire Stone – 1:05:15

Liam O’Neill – 31:22

Susan Thomas – 52:26

Paul Launder – 47:12

Melodie Manners – 39:04

Simon Mayho – 1:00:16

Jennifer Forbes – 49:49

Jon Eldon – 35:17

Amelia Hill – 1:05:00

Andrew James – 36:21

Frazer Humbles – 39:26

Deborah Sturges – 1:04:55

Ian Curnow – 37:39

Helen Dunlop – 1:11:12

Jerry Cartlidge – 49:19

Olivia Henwood – 1:02:52