Mawnan fun runners beat the rain
11:54am Monday 6th October 2008 in Video By Emma Goodfellow
Mawnan Fun Run competitors Jess Ballard and Meriel Fox try to imagine the sun is shining. Picture: Mark Parsons
The weather may have let them down but the runners did organisers proud at this year’s Mawnan Fun Run.
Now in its fourth year, the charity run saw in the region of 200 competitors – twice the number that had been anticipated to turn out in such wet and gloomy weather conditions.
Runners did their best to forget they were in grey October Cornwall and pretended they were in the Caribbean, with some donning garlands of flowers and others dressing in animal print outfits.
Helford Gig Club had perhaps the hardest job of the day, with club members lugging one of their gigs around the five-kilometre/three-mile route.
The course took competitors from the Carwinion Playing Field in Mawnan Smith through the village and up towards Trebah car park. From there they took the footpath through Helford Passage and back round the village again to finish.
The men’s winner was Giles Kent, while Juliet Knowles took the women’s first place title.
Melanie Dixon-Phillip, who was on the organising committee, said: “It was great. We had a really good day and a really good race, although the weather was terrible.
“Thank you to all our sponsors – they really make it worthwhile and possible.”
She also thanked all the volunteers who did a “brilliant job” helping in the kitchen and supplying runners and spectators with bacon butties, pasties, teas and coffees, as well as the all the marshals who took up their posts at various points along the route.
The total amount raised has not yet been finalised.
This year the money will be split between the Bishop’s Forum activity centre at Halvasso and Helford Gig Club, who want to buy a new gig.
The run benefits different charities each year and the event’s committee will soon be choosing next year’s recipients.
Mrs Dixon-Phillip appealed for more people to join the fun run’s organising committee, to make sure the 2009 event was as successful as this year’s. For more information call 01326 252114.
For a full selection of photos see this Wednesday's Packet.
