Hayle Runners Compete in St Austell Skyline 10 Race

Tough climbs and standout performances

A challenging two-mile climb set the tone for 21 Hayle Runners as they took on the St Austell Skyline 10 on 21st March.

With bright sunshine overhead, runners were rewarded with wide-reaching views across Clay Country, particularly at the highest point of the course, which sits at almost 1,200 feet. The scenery provided a welcome distraction from what proved to be a demanding multi-terrain route.

The Skyline 10, part of the Multi-Terrain Race Series, is known for testing participants across a varied course. Runners navigated a mix of trails, permissive paths and footpaths, exploring St Austell’s clay mining heritage along the way. The route passed clay dryers, pits and historic landmarks, beginning opposite Menacuddle Well and finishing at Cornwall College.

The event was organised by St Austell Running Club and supported by Imerys, allowing access across their land and permissive paths.

Liam leads the way

Before the race, Liam O’Neill warned teammates about the “sting in the tail” near the start of the ninth mile. The steep woodland climb proved difficult for many, with some runners struggling to walk it. Liam, however, powered through to secure an impressive second place overall.

His performance helped the Hayle men’s team finish third, alongside Jon Eldon, Andrew James and Ian Curnow.

There was further success in the individual categories. Liam O’Neill took silver in the 35 to 39 age group. Ian Curnow finished second in the 55 to 59 category, while Jon Eldon continued his strong form by winning the 65 to 69 category.

Podium finishes for Hayle women

In the women’s categories, Deborah Sturges achieved a podium finish for the first time, taking silver in the 65 to 69 age group. Teammate Jennie Massey followed with third place in the same category.

Hayle Runners chairman Richard Collett said: “The Skyline 10 is a proper test, and this year’s race certainly delivered, with tough climbs and the now infamous sting.

“It was great to see 21 Hayle Runners take it on, including several first-timers, all finishing with smiles on their faces. Liam O’Neill’s second place overall, along with a number of category prizes, made it a strong day for the club, and St Austell Running Club hosted a very well organised event on a unique course.”

Full results for Hayle Runners

The full timings for Hayle Runners were:

• Debbie Gossington — 2:06:04
• Ian Curnow — 1:18:08
• Florence Davies-Kirsop — 1:27:37
• Sam Robinson — 2:29:42
• Chris Butler — 1:43:12
• Amelia Hill — 2:36:07
• Jon Eldon — 1:15:06
• Yelda Müge Parsons — 2:23:18
• Louise Ollivier — 1:46:18
• Paul Launder — 1:42:40
• Liam O’Neill — 1:06:27
• Helen Dunlop — 2:21:34
• Jennie Massey — 2:36:08
• Andrew James — 1:17:45
• Olivia Henwood — 2:12:33
• Alex Brooks — 1:23:50
• Susan Thomas — 1:53:38
• Simon Mayho — 2:07:25
• Jerry Cartlidge — 1:47:33
• Suzie Smith — 2:29:40
• Deborah Sturges — 2:24:07

For several runners, it was their first time tackling the Skyline 10, with all finishing the course smiling despite the tough conditions.