Love Island Star Luke Mabbott Conquers First Marathon at Eden Project

Love Island’s Luke Mabbott crossed the finish line of his first-ever marathon today at the Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon. Supported by fiancée Lucie Donlan, who also appeared on Love Island, Luke took on the gruelling course despite only deciding to enter two weeks ago after receiving a text from a friend.

Luke said, “This is my first ever marathon and it was something else! The event itself is hard and I didn’t really expect it – hills, mud – there’s everything. It’s a challenge but I think it’s good when you get to the end. It’s an achievement!”

He added that completing the marathon had been on his bucket list for some time. “I’ve always wanted to do one and it’s been on the bucket list for a while. Go hard or go home! I think I’ve started with the hardest one and anything from now is easier.”

Local Runners Lead the Pack

While Luke made headlines with his marathon debut, the top spot for the second year in a row went to Steve Reynolds from Truro Running Club, finishing with a time of 03:02:24. Steve, familiar with the challenging course, commented on the tough conditions caused by the previous night’s weather, saying, “The conditions were more challenging today, especially coming through the mud, which was like quicksand, but to be expected with last night’s weather.”

Second place went to Luke Hilliard from Elswick Harriers with a time of 03:04:57, followed by unaffiliated runner Fergal Stephenson, who finished in 03:21:57.

The fastest woman to cross the line was Emily Harrison, also unaffiliated, completing the marathon in 03:31:11. Helen Knight of CLC Striders took second place with 03:42:47, and third place went to Hannah Haugvik at 04:03:48.

Photo: Luke Mabbott, celebrates with Lucie Donlan, after completing Eden Project Marathon. Credit: Tom Last Photography

Success in the Half Marathon

The Eden Project also hosted a half marathon, where Jacob Landers from Tamar Trotters claimed victory with a time of 01:16:19. Kenny Gibson from Cornwall Athletic Club took second place with 01:24:22, while James Pugsley from Bideford Amateur Athletic Club came third, finishing in 01:27:20.

Among the women, Louise Mitchell of Truro Running Club was the fastest, finishing in 01:32:24. Lauren Knox from Storm Plymouth followed closely behind with a time of 01:36:56, and Katie Beecher from Les Croupiers Running Club came third at 01:39:40.

Record Numbers and Spectacular Scenery

This year marked the 14th edition of the Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon, organised by the Eden Project and St Austell Running Club. Over 1,500 runners participated, making it the most attended race since 2018. Competitors came from across the UK, as well as from Canada, France, Germany, and Switzerland, to tackle the multi-terrain course set against the stunning Cornish landscape, finishing in front of the Eden Project’s iconic Biomes.

Participants celebrated their achievement with themed medals, a well-earned beer from St Austell Brewery, and a traditional Cornish pasty.

Simon Townsend, General Manager of the Eden Project, praised the event’s atmosphere, saying, “Despite the mixed weather conditions, the atmosphere today has once again been energised and vibrant. It has been so fantastic to witness everyone enjoying themselves and supporting one another as they cross the finish line.”

Doug Alsop, Race Director of the Eden Marathon and Half Marathon, also extended his congratulations to the runners, thanking volunteers and supporters, including Cornwall Search and Rescue, for making the event a success.

The Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon will return next year, with booking details to be announced soon.

For more information about the Eden Project, check out the Eden Project website.