Record Breakers at the 44 mile Endurancelife Classic Quarter Ultra-marathon

Press Release / 22.07.2011

Trail runners were greeted with a sea mist and cooler temperatures than in previous years, which would prove to make the perfect ingredients for faster times. Now in its fifth year the Classic Quarter Ultra Marathon saw over 320 runners on the start line.

On Saturday (25 June) Pete Roper was the first person to cross the finish line in a time of 6 hours and 33 minutes, breaking the previous course record of 7 hours and 14 minutes, also set by Pete in 2009. Cornwall local Rob Burnham from St Columb Major took 2nd spot in 6 hours and 41 minutes. After finishing this incredible 44 miles trail run Rob said; “The cooler conditions meant I could go faster and remain cool. I like the journey aspect of this event, travelling under my own stream from Lizard Point to Lands End. Often Ultra runs repeat sections or are an out and back format”.

Hundreds of people turned out to cheer the runners on from the Lizard to Land’s End and the checkpoints were the main focus points. Instead of the usual options of jelly beans and bananas, runners had some more morale boasting choices including at Check point 3 (Lamorna Cove) scones complete with jam and clotted cream.

The first lady to Lands End was Nicky Taylor in 8 hours 7 minutes. Nicky said afterwards “I’m so pleased with my first place, this is my third time I’ve done this amazing race and my first win.”

The Classic Quarter, organised by Endurancelife, raises funds for Cornwall Hospice Care and takes place every June – this is the fifth year that it’s been run from Lizard Point to Land’s End. The route along the South West Coast Path takes in breathtaking views, and is tough-going with steep climbs and descents.

Competitors travelled from across the UK and Europe to take part in the event which is now thought to be among the hardest trail running challenges in the world.

The UTSW will be the new challenge for 2012 and will see trail runners going 100 miles non- stop on the South West Coastal Path for more details head to <a href="#" onClick="javascript:newsitewindow('http://www.endurancelife.com')" class="main">www.endurancelife.com</a>.