Michelle, who is from Weston-Super-Mare and is affiliated with Weston Athletic Club, finished with a time of 1:37:32. Michelle was running in her local woods last August when she fell down a hill, knocking herself unconscious. After progressively feeling worse, she was diagnosed with an injury to the brain and has been on the road to recovery since.
Michelle said: “As I’ve been recovering, I thought the event at Eden would be a great one to try and conquer with the hills and off-road elements.
“I still have some issues following my accident but I’m getting there, so I’m feeling very pleased but also shocked to have come second today. Everyone has been so friendly and the organisation has been fantastic”.
The fastest woman in the Half Marathon was Lucy Williams, 36, from Portreath who runs with Truro Running Club and Freedom Racing, finishing with a time of 1:34:41. Lucy finished second in last year’s full marathon and today marked her third Eden Half Marathon.
Third was Debbie Harrison-Webb, 52, from Truro who is affiliated with Hayle Runners and finished with a time of 1:41:03. Debbie is a seasoned participant in the event, having taken part in every Eden Half Marathon since its inception.
The fastest man in the Half Marathon was Ben Neale, 37, from Tavistock who runs with Tavistock Athletics Club and finished with a time of 1:15:00. Today marked Ben’s return to the event after last running the Eden Half Marathon six years ago.
Ben said: “I wasn’t sure what time I’d get today but I was hoping for a result under 1:20:00 so I’m extremely happy. It went really well. There was a great atmosphere and the course was great.”
The second fastest man was David Tregonning, 29, from St Austell who runs with PB Running Club and finished with a time of 1:22:14. Narrowly behind David was Paul-Florin Trifanov, 29 from Wadebridge who is affiliated with Newquay Road Runners. Paul-Florin finished with a time of 1:22:58.
The fastest man in the full Eden Marathon was Oliver Jones, 48, from Liskeard, who is affiliated with East Cornwall Harriers and finished with a time of 3:03:03.
Oliver said: “I’ve ran the Eden Marathon about eight times. I finished second in 2016 and third in 2017 and 2019. I’ve always been willing myself to come first but never achieved it, so I’m absolutely buzzing.
“The weather conditions have been brilliant and the course has been amazing. You couldn’t ask for more.”
Second was Simon Morse, 34, from Rilla Mill, Callington, who also runs with East Cornwall Harriers and finished with a time of 03:08:06. Third was Aaron Benney, 41, from Falmouth, who runs with Mile High Running Club, with a finishing time of 3:12:01.
The fastest woman in the Eden Marathon was Jodie-May Gauld, 29, from St Austell, who runs with St Austell Running Club and finished with a time of 3:32:51.
Jodie-May said: “I’ve ran the Eden Marathon four times and came second in 2016. I keep coming back because I love this course. I marshalled last year but missed running the route so I had to come back this year.
“I had to dig deep today as I forgot how hilly and tough the course is. You can’t underestimate it. The support out on the route was fantastic though and the whole event is amazing.”
The second fastest woman was Sophie Street, 26, from Bugle who is also affiliated with St Austell Running Club and finished with a time of 3:40:15. Third was Poppy Collingwood, 23 from Oakhampton who is unaffiliated. Today was Poppy’s first ever marathon and saw her finish with a time of 3:47:08.
More than 1,100 participants signed up to take part in this year’s Eden Marathon and Half Marathon, Cornwall’s biggest running event, with some travelling from as far as Austria, Canada, the Netherlands, the United States and Western Australia.
The event, jointly organised by Eden and St Austell Running Club, is now in its twelfth year and has become a firm fixture in the running calendar.
Once again, today’s event saw participants taking on the challenge of multi-terrain courses through spectacular landscapes before crossing the finish line in front of Eden’s world-famous Biomes.
After receiving their medals, the participants were then able to enjoy a well-earned beer and pasty.
In a first for the Eden Marathon and Half Marathon, a tree sapling will be planted at Eden for every runner registered, meaning this year’s event will leave a true lasting legacy.
Eden Project Commercial Manager Tracey Smith, who has organised the event since its inception, said: “The Eden Marathon and Half Marathon has become a firm favourite day within our annual calendar at Eden and today’s event has been another memorable and special one. The atmosphere here has been incredible and the energy and support shared amongst the participants is a joy to witness.
“Once again, we send our heartfelt thanks to St Austell Running Club, Cornwall Search and Rescue, the volunteers and marshals and all our supporters and, without whom, our event could never be possible.”
Race Director of the Eden Project Marathon and Half-Marathon Doug Alsop said: “Once again today’s event has been one to remember. It is always a joy to be here and witness first-hand the level of comradery between the participants and the shared support from all the spectators.
“I hope everyone has enjoyed themselves today and congratulations to all who took part in our twelfth event.”
The Marathon and Half-Marathon will return next year with booking details being announced soon.
