Steven Reynolds makes it four in a row at the Eden Project Marathon

Four years, four wins. And this time Steven Reynolds did it only a couple of weeks after shaking off a chest infection.

The Truro Running Club runner took first place at the Eden Project Marathon on Sunday 18 October, finishing in 2:54:31. In the women’s race, the title went to a 19-year-old running her first ever marathon.

Four in a row for Steven Reynolds

Steven came home first out of 252 runners registered for the full marathon, on a crisp autumn day that he said made all the difference.

“It was such nice weather today. It did make a lot of difference,” he said. “The ground was a little bit harder on the trail sections, which made it a little bit more runnable, it prompted me to go off maybe a bit too fast in the woods at the start, but I just about managed to hang on in there in the second half.

“I just got over a chest infection a couple of weeks ago, so I knew it was gonna be a bit of tough job.”

📷Annie Wisely at the Eden Project Marathon. Credit: Tom Last

A first marathon, and a win, for Annie Wisely

Annie Wisely, 19, from Plymouth, crossed the line in 3:24:14 to win the women’s race at her first attempt at the distance.

Asked what inspired her to take part, Annie said: “I just like trail running, so I thought it would be nice! And I like Cornwall, so, I thought it would be good. I’ve never done a marathon before, it was amazing.”

Close to 1,200 runners at the Biomes

The annual event is run by the Eden Project in partnership with St Austell Running Club, and it draws runners from across Cornwall, the UK and overseas to one of the country’s most challenging and scenic road-running events.

Close to 1,200 runners registered across the marathon and half marathon this year. It marks 16 years of the event at the Eden Project, which is celebrating 25 years as a charity and global garden destination.

Runners ranged in age from 17 to 74. Six of them were celebrating birthdays, including Cameron Southey from Bideford, who spent his 30th taking on the half marathon and finished in 2:59:59.

Everyone who made it round crossed the finish line in front of the Biomes and picked up a medal, a Cornish pasty and a beer courtesy of St Austell Brewery.

📷Eden Project Marathon 2026. Credit: Rob Donald

Eden Project Marathon results

Women

1. Annie Wisely (Plymouth), 3:24:14
2. Charlie Ramsdale (Dartmouth), 3:42:20
3. Dulcie Gatehouse (Bridport, Bridport Runners), 3:44:00

Men

1. Steven Reynolds (Truro, Truro Running Club), 2:54:31
2. Ross Portass (Plymouth), 3:16:45
3. Phil Howard (Woking, 100 Marathon Club), 3:17:34

📷Sarah Hoskin at the Eden Project Half Marathon. Credit: Tom Last

Eden Project Half Marathon results

Women

1. Sarah Hoskin (Mile High Running Club, Penryn), 1:26:31
2. Lauren Knox (Plymouth, Storm Plymouth), 1:27:52
3. Emma Paull (Helston, Hayle Runners), 1:29:15

Men

1. Jordan Andrews (Plymouth), 1:19:05
2. David Tregonning (Luxulyan), 1:23:30
3. Matthew Battley (Richmond), 1:24:13

📷Eden Project Marathon 2026. Credit: Tom Last

What the organisers said

Tracey Smith, the Eden Project’s Commercial Manager, has organised the event since it began.

“This year’s event has once again demonstrated the incredible determination, resilience and community spirit that define the Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon,” she said.

“It has been wonderful to welcome runners from near and far to Cornwall and to celebrate their achievements, whether chasing personal bests, supporting charities or simply taking on the challenge of reaching the finish line.

“We are hugely grateful to our partners at St Austell Running Club, our volunteers, marshals, sponsors and supporters who help make the event such a success.”

Chris Baggot, co-race director alongside Armando Vieira, said: “It continues to be a privilege for St Austell Running Club to work alongside the Eden Project in delivering this fantastic event.

“The course remains one of the toughest and most rewarding in the country and it’s always inspiring to see runners of all ages and abilities taking on the challenge.

“Congratulations to everyone who participated.”

📷Eden Project Marathon 2026. Credit: Rob Donald

Wildflowers, charities and next year’s date

Over the years the event has brought runners from around the world to Cornwall, along with plenty of milestone marathons and big charity fundraising efforts.

Runners are encouraged to raise money for good causes, and the money raised through entry fees goes towards creating wildflower habitats at the Eden Project to help wildlife and pollinators thrive.

Next year’s Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon is on Sunday 17 October 2027, with entries opening in spring 2027. More details are on the Eden Project website.

📷Steven Reynolds at the Eden Project Marathon. Credit: Tom Last

📷Jordan Andrews at the Eden Project Half Marathon. Credit: Tom Last

📷Jordan Andrews at the Eden Project Half Marathon. Credit: Tom Last

📷Eden Project Marathon 2026. Credit: Rob Donald

📷Eden Project Half Marathon 2026. Credit: Rob Donald

📷Eden Project Marathon 2026. Credit: Rob Donald

📷Eden Project Marathon 2026. Credit: Rob Donald

📷Eden Project Marathon 2026. Credit: Tom Last

📷Eden Project Marathon 2026 sponsors

📷Steven Reynolds at the Eden Project Marathon. Credit: Tom Last