Did They Take on Too Much? Cornwall Monopoly Marathon Challenge Pushes Limits!

Running for a Cause

A North Cornwall running group, Camelford Up and Running, set out on an extraordinary challenge – visiting and running at every location on the Cornwall Edition Monopoly Board. The challenge was not just about endurance but also a heartfelt mission to raise money for CYPEDS (Children and Young People’s Eating Disorder Service).

The group, inspired by personal experience, dedicated their efforts to this specialist service, which provides community-based support for those aged 8 to 18 with suspected or diagnosed eating disorders in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Matt and Sam’s daughter, Hollie, was diagnosed with Anorexia in August 2024, and CYPEDS has played a crucial role in their family’s journey. This challenge was their way of showing appreciation and giving back to a service that had supported them through difficult times.

A 17-Hour Marathon of a Different Kind

The journey kicked off at 5.30am on Saturday, 8th March 2025, with two minibuses, 25 eager runners, two drivers, and a packed itinerary. Starting in Camelford (GO!), the first run took place in dry, mild conditions. However, as the day progressed, the group faced a mix of challenging runs, logistical hurdles, and a race against time.

Notable Stops Along the Way

Tintagel Castle

A scenic run through the High Street and down Castle Road to the castle set the tone for an adventure-packed day.

Ginsters, Callington

A tough uphill mile led to the Ginsters Factory, where runners were treated to warm savoury snacks. A special thanks was given to Chris, who supplied the group with Mars bars and sweets.

Free Parking? Oops!

A planned photo opportunity at a Free Parking sign was forgotten while enjoying pasties. Fortunately, later stops in Helston provided another chance.

St Mellion Golf Club

A direct mile run to the entrance ensured this square was ticked off.

The Monkey Sanctuary, Looe

A steep uphill challenge led to a warm welcome from Sabrina from CYPEDS.

Lanhydrock House

A bouncy run across the Halgavor Suspension Footbridge before meeting more CYPEDS staff at the estate.

Electric Company – National Grid, Bodmin

A quick photo stop at the Bodmin Depot.

Go to Jail – Bodmin Police Station

A swift group photo before a run to Morrisons.

Just Visiting – Bodmin Jail

Met by more supporters and CYPEDS staff.

Eden Project

A logistical mistake meant an unexpected extra mile run, but the scenery made up for it.

Truro’s Monopoly Stops

Runners ticked off Pydar Street, High Cross, and Back Quay (Hall for Cornwall) while drawing attention from shoppers. A stop at New County Hall covered both Super Tax and Income Tax.

The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, Falmouth & The National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

A fun run through Falmouth between these two stops, complete with cartwheels and music.

Coverack – Cornwall Meadow Preserves

Tea, coffee, and scones with homemade jam, plus a story about how they made it onto the Monopoly board.

Gear Farm

A must-stop for Cornwall’s best pasties.

Trevano Estate Gardens, Helston

A now-closed location, but a sign sufficed for a quick stop.

St Michael’s Mount, Marazion

One of the most scenic locations, but an ANPR camera left them wondering about a parking fine!

Poniou Way, Penzance

A small industrial road but another essential square ticked off.

Porthcurno, Minack Theatre

Arrived after closing but still managed to get a group photo.

Land’s End

The last run in daylight, where the team joked about completing a “John O’Groats to Land’s End” challenge.

St Ives Station

A well-timed photo with an arriving train.

Tolgus Mill, Cornwall Gold

A group photo and a short run before moving on.

Recreation Ground, Redruth

Home of Redruth Rugby Club, another quick stop for a photo and run.

Penhallow, Healey’s Cyder Farm

No cider, but a quick stop to capture the sign.

The Headland Hotel, Newquay

A warm welcome despite their delay, with teas and coffees to refuel.

Watergate Bay

Since Fifteens no longer exists, the team opted for a photo at Watergate Hotel.

Newquay Airport

A quick run around the car park before heading to the next destination.

Tresco (Alternative) – Tresco Farm, St Merryn

Visiting the Isles of Scilly wasn’t feasible, so an alternative location was chosen.

Prideaux Place, Padstow

A quick photo and short run to tick off the last Monopoly board property.

The Grand Finale

The final stretch included:

• Waterworks – South West Water, Wadebridge
  
• Community Chest – Jon Betjeman Community Centre
  
  
• Chance Card – Scratch cards for every runner

At 11.30pm, after 17 hours, 300+ miles by minibus, and 20+ miles of running, the challenge was complete. Checking their JustGiving page, the group saw they had exceeded £1500 in donations.

A Huge Success

The event was made possible by generous support from businesses including Western Supply Builders Merchants (Delabole), Ginsters (Callington), The Headland Hotel (Newquay), Cornwall Meadow Preserves (Coverack), and Sugar Rush (Camelford).

Organisers Matt and Sam expressed deep gratitude, not only for the challenge’s success but also for the ongoing support their family has received from CYPEDS.

“Over the last year, we’ve needed to rely on a charitable organisation to help us as a family. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to CYPEDS for not just supporting us throughout the whole day of our event but for supporting us EVERY day since our daughter Hollie fell ill.”

To support the cause, visit their JustGiving page.