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Coastal Trail Series in Cornwall

New Release / 30.04.2010

The penultimate stop for The Coastal Trail Series 2009-10 was never short of excitement and offered the typical roller coaster of up and downs associated with Endurancelife events.

The 500 + competitors were greeted with perfect running conditions, a cloudy sky and a fresh wind coming off the sea. With rumours flying around race base of one of the driest courses to date, some may have been lulled into thinking this would be an easier affair. Any such thoughts were quickly forgotten as the brave hit the coastal path.

All three courses had to tackle a very technical opening section with plenty of lose footing and a hands down scrambling approach required on the ascents. The stunning scenery provided a welcome distraction along with reminders of Cornwall’s industrial heritage.

At the halfway point it was time to head away from the coast, though only briefly for the 10 k runners before they returned to the coastal path. The marathon and half marathon courses ran up over the open health and moorland. These courses too then returned to the coastal path before the final sting in the tail – a steep two mile climb to the finish line.

Marathon Winner Pete Roper described the St Just course as the toughest and most technical yet. “There was no let up and you had to stay focused the whole time and always concentrate on your footing, plus there was plenty of hands down action required on the ascents. The open moorland and health section was amazing if not forgiving. Will Turner (Course Director) must have had a little smile on his face as he planned the final two mile ascent into the finish.”

Half Marathon Winner Shane Ohly said “The landscape made the race both tough and enjoyable and I kept a steady pace for the first few miles as the coastal path is very technical. The course continues along the spectacular coast for a further five miles before heading in land over the moor. Of course I’m very pleased with my result as this is my first race back since January last year. My race plan was to go steady to at the beginning and then I kept my speed up with the mantra; the faster I go the more I can eat.”

Runner Up in the 10 km Lucy Snowball said “The weather has been perfect and the scenery amazing. My friend is running in the marathon distance and recommended the event to me. We both fancied a road trip out of London so we’re making a weekend of it down here. The whole event has a brilliant atmosphere and everyone is really up for it. It’s very different to a normal road race; this is an event for true runners.”

The final venue in the 2009-10 series is Exmoor on 22nd May where the plans for the brand new Coastal Trail Series will be unveiled. For full results and more details on the series and all the results go to www.endurancelife.com