Hayle Runners Compete in Challenging Looe 10 Race

Hill-ish and Hellish: How Hayle Runners Conquered the Looe 10

The challenging Looe 10 returned on 1st March, living up to its reputation as a hill-ish and hellish race while attracting dozens of competitors from Hayle Runners.

The event, which forms round three of the Cornish Grand Prix series, saw nine women and 21 men from the Hayle club line up at the start. Known locally as the “Green Army”, the runners faced a demanding route with strong winds and around 457 metres, or 1,500 feet, of elevation.

Despite the tough conditions, Hayle Runners secured a number of podium and age category results.

Team Success for Hayle

Hayle’s men’s team claimed third place overall. The scoring team consisted of Liam O’Neill, Kieran Murrant, Neil Hayhurst, Dave Guffick, David Wilding and Mark Williams.

Mark Williams also secured first place in the 55 to 59 age category.

Several other Hayle runners picked up category prizes during the race.

Fiona Gamble finished second in the women’s 40 to 44 category, while Margaret Clark placed third in the 65 to 69 group.

Diane Warren delivered one of the most striking performances of the day, winning the 70 to 74 category by 25 minutes ahead of the next runner in her age group.

Liam O’Neill also returned to the podium in his age category, taking third place among runners aged 35 to 39. Jon Eldon topped the 65 to 69 category.

A Tough Coastal Course

The Looe 10 is widely known for its challenging terrain. Runners tackled an undulating route through West Looe before heading out along the coastal road towards Talland.

From there the course looped around the Killigarth and Porthallow area before returning to Talland and heading back to the finish.

Although the hills make it one of the more demanding road races in Cornwall, competitors are rewarded with scenic coastal views along the route.

Personal Best on a Difficult Day

Among the Hayle runners, Theresa Clark achieved an impressive 13 minute personal best on the course.

Hayle Runners chairman Richard Collett praised the performances and the organisation of the event.

Richard said: “The Looe 10 Miler is always a challenging course, with plenty of steep hills to keep everyone honest. Our men’s team finished third and we picked up six age category awards, which was a strong return on a tough day of racing. There was great support right around the course, and the race was very well organised, which always makes a difference on a route like that.”

Supporting Cornwall Air Ambulance

This year the event also supported a well known Cornish cause, with proceeds going to Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Full List of Hayle Runners

Jennifer Forbes 1:49:15
Scott Abraham 1:28:22
David Wilding 1:18:08
Tamara Kearney 1:42:39
Mark Squire 2:01:45
Nicholas Peters 1:32:17
Lee Tullett 1:28:43
Margaret Clark 1:53:56
Andrew Searle 1:26:18
Samuel Little 1:24:33
Kevin Ward 1:28:12
Peter Kearney 2:06:23
David Guffick 1:16:42
Jon Eldon 1:19:35
Cas Leo 1:51:06
Jemma Kearney 2:06:23
Fiona Gamble 1:23:39
Dan Hocking 1:52:04
Emma Johns 2:20:03
Neil Hayhurst 1:16:08
Scott Redrup 1:44:57
Rowan Mulliss 1:49:25
Darren Uren 1:33:30
Theresa Clark 2:05:15
Tear Rogers 1:28:37
Mark Williams 1:19:05
Liam O’Neill 1:07:42
Kieran Murrant 1:12:01
David Folger 1:21:14
Diane Warren 1:41:30