THE St Ives Bay 10k race and the St Ives Bay Fun Run organised by Hayle Runners and sponsored by Hayle Town Council was held on Hayle Beach and Towans last Tuesday evening.

The race attracted a large range of runners from Cornwall and further afield. At the 10k Ben Price from Cheltenham Harriers returned to the race to retain his title with a clear lead over Lee Midghall from Liverpool Harriers with Duncan Oakes from St Austell Running Club the first Cornish Runner home, coming third.

Emma Schuck from Hayle Runners, who also lives in Hayle, won the ladies race, her first victory over the distance with a seven minute margin over Bethan Gay from Liverpool and Juliet Knowles from Carn Runners.

Councillor Graham Coad Mayor of Hayle gave trophies to all the competitors and to the first three boys and girls in the fun run.

Race director Andy Moore said: “It was a fantastic evening which would not have been possible without the support of Hayle Town Council, Hayle Surf Life Saving Club, the RNLI and over 70 volunteers who ensured no one got lost across the Towans.

“It was great to see young runners giving the fun run a go and seeing the pride of their faces when the Mayor gave them their medal.

“What was also encouraging to see so many runners in the 10k who were on their holidays some even planned their trips around the race.

“The course was particularly tough this year as much of the sand was soft but the runners seem to have really enjoyed their challenging run.”