Members of Hayle Runners joined a large turnout for the Newquay 10k road race last Sunday. Nearly 800 runners took part in Cornwall’s largest 10k, the second race in the 2019 Grand Prix series. The Newquay 10k takes runners along a route from Newquay Sports centre towards the River Gannel and then uphill towards Crantock before looping back and returning downhill along the same course to finish in the grounds of the Sports Centre. Although not a flat course it is popular with local runners and often produces personal bests.

Hayle Runners had a good day with good team results and plenty of great individual performances, with a number of club members tackling the distance for the first time, as well as personal bests from a number of the clubs more experienced runners.

Honours were even between the clubs men and women, with both teams taking third position in the team competition. The mens team was led home by Daniel Costello supported by Neill Cookson, who took second in his 50-54 age group,Simon Knowles,Nick Costello, Steve Wherry (who won his 55-59 age group) and Scott Abraham. Emma Paull ,who came second overall and in her under 35 age group, led the women home supported by Becky Tossell, Lisa Friday, Jo Holland, Julia Burns and Maria Williams. Maria also came third in her 55-59 age group. There were also age category prizes for Tommy Clifford who in his first race was second in his under 20 age group, Diane Warren was first and Ann Senior second in their 60-64 age group and Stewart Townend won his 75-79 age group.

Apart from Tommy, Toby Drewett, Jemma Ellis, George Erics, Gabrielle Hume-Rothery and Paul Wingell all ran their club 10k debuts at the race.

Club Chairman Simon Knowles felt it was a good day, saying: "It was great to see so many new runners from the club giving the race a go and very encouraging to see some new and returning faces appearing in the teams. We are looking forward to the next races as the season it just getting underway."