Bodmin's Maiden Marathon

Beacon Beast hits the mark

Success for Bodmin’s inaugural marathon

Bodmin’s maiden marathon challenged 123 participants from around the country, who ran the unique figure-of-eight course based on The Bodmin Way walking and cycling routes.

They agreed that the event was aptly named as it was “a beast of a course!” tempered by the friendliness of the marshals, the welcome at the aid stations and the fabulous medals designed by David Andrewartha of Bys Vyken Events.

“Absolutely top-notch event today, said Jane Stedman. “Many thanks to the core team and all your volunteers. You should be very proud of yourselves. Great venues for both the start and finish, well-marked and marshalled, attractive and varied route and lovely medal and t-shirt. This was my 302nd marathon, and it’s in my top 10.”

Shelby Dover added: “Huge thank you to all organisers and volunteers for today. A brilliant event! It was my first marathon so I was quite nervous and couldn’t have got through it without the support of everyone involved, spectators and all the runners, who helped along the way.”

Charlotte Eden was equally delighted: “A massive thank you for organising this epic event and also for all the volunteers and supporters who gave up their time and made Sunday what is was”, she said.

“Thank you Sharon Hambley and team for putting on such a brilliant event today,” said Dean Talbot. “The marshals were so friendly, and it was impossible to get lost with so many of them. I hope it becomes an annual event.”

And Rich Kell is already looking forward to the next one: “Thank you for putting on an amazing race,” he said. “Everything seemed to go like clockwork (other than my legs up some of those hills)! I really hope this becomes a regular event!”

Stats and facts

The stylish glass trophies, awarded to the fastest three males and females, are pictured here with the marathon’s mascot, made and donated by Gemma Warrington of Bugle; who taught herself to knit during the Covid pandemic.

Males: 1st Marc Smerdon (3.10), 2nd Rick Nicholls (3.15), 3rd Alan Jeffrey (3.16).

Females: 1st Charlotte Johnson (3.58), 2nd Melodie Manners (4.03), 3rd Soozie Trice (4:10).

The race lived up to its name and to its five aims: 1. Provide a different type of course that incorporates roads, woodlands, fields, styles, boardwalks and the challenge of almost 3000ft elevation.

2. Encourage locals and visitors to soak up the stunning scenery that makes up The Bodmin Way.

3. Celebrate the community spirit of Bodmin with churches and other local groups joining together to support an enjoyable day for competitors, volunteers and spectators.

4. Raise money for local charities.

5. Bring people to Bodmin to enjoy what is on our doorstep and support its tourism.

The Bodmin Beast welcomed participants and spectators to the town and, in the process, raised £2350 that will be shared between local charities and organisations.

Cllr Jeremy Cooper, Mayor of Bodmin, said: “The whole event was a credit to the planning team’s hard work. It delivered a wonderful spectacle of human effort on the part of the competitors. I hope the marathon will return next year and go from strength to strength, adding another unique Bodmin event to the community calendar.”

Race Director Sharon Hambley has already fixed a date for next year’s marathon: Sunday 16 April 2023, under the new name “Beacon Beast Marathon - The Bodmin Way”.

Photo credit: Bodmin Camera Club - Robert Dawson Photography / Debbie Murrell / Mark Rowe / Hudson Swan / Peter Hicks