THIRTY-THREE Hayle Runners travelled up to Saltash on Sunday, July 7 to take part in the Magnificent 7, a seven-mile road race which also happens to be the seventh race in the Cornish Grand Prix series.

A scenic course took in the undulating country lanes and hamlets of South East Cornwall, with a couple of particularly challenging hills. thrown in for good measure along the way. The weather was largely dry and runners were even treated to some spells of sunshine!

The Hayle women’s team did phenomenally well and took first prize overall. That team was comprised of Emma Paull, Julie Towers, Anna Goodman, Fiona Gamble, Andrea Simmons, and Zoe Renowden.

In addition to leading the Hayle ladies home, Emma Paull was also the first woman across the line overall in a time of 46:54.

The men’s team also did brilliantly, coming in second place. That team consisted of Neil Hayhurst, Jacob Gardner, Peter Barnes, Liam O’Neill, Dominic Turton and David Guffick.

In addition to strong team placings, several individuals also took home age category prizes. Those runners were: Anna Goodman (Women Under 35 – first); Emma Paull (Women 35-39 – first); Fiona Gamble (Women 35-39 – second); Julie Towers (Women 60-64 – second); Andrea Simmons (Women 70-74 – first); Neil Hayhurst (Men 40-44 – first); Peter Barnes (Men 40-44 – second); Mark Williams (Men 55-59 – third); Chunky Penhaul (Men 75-79 – first); Martin Curtis (Men 75-79 – third); Stewart Townend (Men 80+ - second). Club chairman, Richard Collett, said: “The Magnificent 7 has a great reputation as a challenging, but fun race, and we were glad that the rain held off for the most part. Hayle Runners acquitted themselves brilliantly with the ladies bringing home first place in the team competition and the men's team finished in second place.”

“A third of our runners that took part came home with age category prizes as well, which was terrific.”