Nearly 600 participants crossed the start line on Sunday, March 13 for the Falmouth Half Marathon which was hosted by Cornish healthcare charity Cornwall Hospice Care and the Falmouth Road Runners.

First to cross the finish line  was Tom Morton of St Dennis who finished the route in a time of 1.16.21. The event was the fourth in the Cornwall Road Running Grand Prix Series, which is sponsored by Cornwall Glass.

Speaking after winning the event Tom said: "That was a tough race, particularly the uphill section to the finish.

“I’m just glad the rain stayed away and I’m really pleased to have won.” He added. 

Amy Sole of Roche was the first woman to cross the finish line in a time of 1.32.12.

The route saw the runners start at Ships and Castles and travel on the road around Pendennis Headland before running along the seafront past Gyllyngvase, on to Swanpool, Maenporth and into Mawnan Smith before turning to pass the outskirts of Budock, back to pass Swanpool and Gyllyngvase again with the final mile or so along the seafront before finishing on the uphill section of Pendennis Rise turning into the finish in front of the Ships and Castles.

Race director Jane Appleton felt that it was great to have everyone back running again after the last years' event was cancelled due to the pandemic. “It was so good to see everyone gathering on the start line at this year’s venue of Ships and Castles. It’s a tough course, something I truly understand having taken part in this event five times in the past.

"This year we changed the venue which meant a tough end to the run as competitors had to finish on an uphill pull. I hope they’ll think it worth it as together they’ve raised £20,000 to help fund the care we provide, thanks to entry fees and the many runners who organised the sponsorship.

"As well as the serious club runners there were many taking on personal challenges and I take my hat off to them all. I’d like to thank our co-hosts Falmouth Road Runners, Ships and Castles, Devon and Cornwall 4×4, Omega Medical, AJ’s Refreshments and the army of volunteers who ensured the smooth running of the 2022 event. We couldn’t do this without everyone’s help.”

First home for across the line for Falmouth Road Runners, and fourth overall, was Tom Carthey. The Falmouth team meet regularly on a Tuesday night at Falmouth Cricket Club and all details about the club can be found at www.falmouthroadrunners.co.uk