​Last Sunday saw an incredible effect by many of the pioneers who took part in the Virtual London Marathon. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year the marathon for non-elite athletes became a virtual event. Therefore athletes could sign up and run the 26.2 miles in any location, during the course of 4th October, the distance can be split into smaller runs, as done by Nina Bond and Donna Gundry, as long as the final distance is reached. This opened up the event making it more inclusive than ever before, providing people with an opportunity to take part, who would not have been able to due to the restriction on capacity. 

Emma Langstaff, Jo Robinson, Sally Crabb, Mandy and Phil Gibson travelled to Plymouth to complete their marathon, where their run followed along the length of the Plym river on the cycle path, the Plym Valley Trail. Then the athletes looped around Saltram, to repeat the Plym Valley Trail. An incredible effect was made by all the athletes who took part in this long distance challenge. Emma Langstaff completed the route in 3:33:00, Jo Robinson, finished the route in 3:13 a person best for her. Sally Crabb finished in 3:52. Whilst Mandy Gibson completed the route in 3:44, with Phil finishing 4:24.

Mark Deacon, who created the route for the pioneers to ensure the correct distance, also completed the marathon. Cycling the 26.2 miles to support the athletes. Sadly during the ride, Mark took a tumble from his bike, but quickly recovered and continued to support his fellow athletes. 

Clive Finnimore completed the marathon in a personal best time of 3:45:38, this being his third marathon. The route he took was to complete the 26.2 miles. Running from Cary Park to Trelaske creating a triangle, then along the A387, passed West Waylands Campsite, then to create a second triangle at Tencreek, repeating this a number of times until he completed his marathon. Showing amazing spirit later that day then ran to the finish line with Lynne Overd.

Mark Grassam took a simpler route, running 26 laps around the picturesque Hannafore. Mark, who is recovering from a knee injury completed the route in 4:49. During the run he was joined by John Gossan, Clive Finnimore (having already completed his marathon), Graham and Di Foster, Nina Bond with Donna Gundry


Lynne Overd, who braved the night air by starting in the early hours of the morning, designed 4 different routes around looe to complete her 26.2 miles. Her routes took her over to Hannafore where she met fellow athlete Mark Grassam, Kilminorth Woods, over to Millendreath beach and tackling some of the hills in Looe via Barbican Road. She completed the run in 6 hours 53 minutes. 

Julie and Jas Gregory also chose to complete the Virtual London Marathon in Looe. For Jas, this was her first marathon and completed the route alongside her mum an impressive 7 hours and 5 minutes. Their route took them from near Barcelona, outside of Looe, into West Looe where the pair crossed the river several times to complete their challenge. Running many times over to Hannafore and onto Lammana Chapel, before running into Kilminorth woods and then back in the town and the beach. 


Darren Hardwick who opted to take part in the Manchester Virtual Marathon ran along the Camel trail and was joined by fellow pioneer, Linda Cuff, running the London Virtual Marathon. Darren and Linda's run took them from Wenfordbridge, their starting location to Hellandbridge, via Bodmin and Wadebridge to the coast where they overlooked Padstow, to return to Bodmin to complete the route. This largely flat but very wet route, which originally was a railway line, takes in some beautiful scenery for woodland, moorland and estuary. Darren completed his run in 4:49, with Linda completing hers in 4:56. The last 5K of the route Sara Grattan joined Darren to complete the Tiki Challenge. Sara having recently joined the pioneers and trained as part of the 2020 Couch to 5K group prior to lockdown, this is her first outdoor run in 3 months. Sara completed her run in 52:31. 

The final pair to run the Virtual London marathon from the pioneers was Nina Bond and Donna Gundry. Opting for a slight variation, in splitting the run into 4 runs each 6.55 miles in length. Their first run, taking full advantage of the 24 hours time allocation, started at midnight and were joined by Christian Boyce. This leg of the journey took the trio around Looe, towards Hannafore,then the beach and looping back to the Scout hut. For the second run, at a more reasonable 8.30 in the morning saw Nina and Donna make a team of 6, whilst adhering to social distancing rules, where joined by Kirstie Maywood, Kathy Saunders, Geraldine Bowden, Emma Collins. Kathy very generously made flapjack for the pair to boost their energy along the route. This run took place in Duleo along the country lanes. For their third run, they took to the Kilminorth Woods, running passed Watergate camping site creating some variety for the runners. However by now the heavy rain had created much harder running conditions, in places the duo ran through thick mud. After leaving the woods, they ran on to Hannafore, to see fellow runner Mark Grassam. For their fourth and final run, this took place back in Looe, running incorporating a loop at Hannafore and again on to the beach and were met by fellow runner Emma Collins, who provided a much needed chocolate for the pair. 

Julie Gregory, completed the Breakwater swim 2020, in Plymouth Sound. The 4K open water swim saw Julie battle 4-5 foot waves with a 30mph North Westerly wind. The swimming conditions were incredibly tough, when many swimmers needed assistance. However Julie, who has been in training for months pushed on and completed the long distance swim. The swim was organised to raise money for The Chestnut Appeal, a charity raising money for Prostate Cancer. Swimmers were taken by boat out of the breakwater and then had to swim back to Tinside. 

Whilst Amanda Southern, who took part in the Couch to 5K in 2019, has spent September walking to raise money for Dementia UK. The target was to walk 1 mile a day, however Amanda has so far walked 41.5 miles and is set for a personal target of 50 miles. Additionally she has raised an amazing £500 for Dementia UK. During her walks, she has endured wet weather, but still managed to smile. Many of the walks she has been accompanied by friends and family and managed to enjoy some Me Time, in some wonderful local locations, including Sibleyback, and Golitha Falls. 

Last week saw, after weeks of preparation, Looe Pioneers operating again as a running club, for most people this is the first time in 6 months that they have had an opportunity to meet up with fellow athletes and run. Having gone through many changes due to COVID-19 regulations, the club has needed to invest in a track and trace system, and is limited to 12 runners per evening session. However it was great to see the return of the running club, not only does the running club help with fitness, and provide a socially distance support network, the club provides a much needed support for mental health, during such trying times. The session started in the car park, where athletes used the white car park space lines, to ensure that a safe 2M distance was adhered to.

This was the start of an excellent week for the Looe Pioneers, with many of the runners taking part in the Cornwall Air Ambulance 10K virtual run. Last year, this took place at Newquay airport and provided athletes with an opportunity to run under the recently grounded Thomas Cook planes, however with the pandemic, this year the run could take place in any location, at any time during the weekend, and this time athletes could split the distance, or even cycle to complete the 10K. For the Looe Pioneers many took up the challenge. Emma Collins and Sandra Northcott completed their 10K during Saturday. Whereas Donna Gundry, Nina Bond and Lynne Overd ran during Sunday morning. With all the runners ensuring that they adhered to at least 2M running distance. Jay Wagstaff completed her 10K along the scenic Coastal Path and then ran another 5K for the Race for Life. Julie Gregory also completed her 10K run, as part of her action packed weekend, as on Sunday she took part in the Breakwater Swim in Plymouth. 

William Gundry, aged 8, learnt how to ride his bike during lockdown as part of his daily outdoor exercise allowance. He took to his bike and completed his 10K over the weekend, riding just over 5K in the picturesque Seaton, then completing his distance Saturday afternoon around Looe. He also managed to raise £50 for Cornwall Air Ambulance. 

With the Sunday morning runners also being able to cheer on Anne Libby, who completed her Race for Life run, running and raising money for Cancer Research UK. Along the run she was supported by fellow Pioneers, whilst social distancing. Clive Finnimore who ran with Anne, then completed the Watopia Run Festival, a virtual half marathon on his treadmill, in an impressive 1:58:52. 


Rob Kernaghan and Sandra Hayes completed the Man up Man Down, a 20K Coastal Path trail run along the rugged north Cornwall coast, from Portreath to Perranporth, taking in some very steep terrain. This run was created in partnership with Man Down Cornwall, a charity supporting mental health in men for the county. Rob Kernaghan completed the route in 2:38:48, with Sandra completing it in 3:18:54. 

The amazing Emma Langstaff and Richard Patrick competed in the Arc of Attrition. Which is an extreme coastal path run, from Coverack to Porthtowan, covering a staggering 100 miles. This ultra marathon, is an incredible run taking in the dramatic Cornish landscape. From Coverack, athletes run along the coastal path towards the Lizard. During the route athletes get to see some of the major coastal towns including Porthleven, Marazion, St Just, St Ives, Hayle, before finishing finally at Porthtowan. The race has a strict 36 hour limit. For the two pioneers Emma completed the race in 31:17:32 and Richard completed the route in 32:37:39. To support the runners, several of the Pioneers went to cheer on their fellow athletes, Christian Boyce and Nina Bond ran the final 22 miles as sweepers, ensuring all the athletes completed the race safely.

Last Sunday saw an amazing turn out of 25 Looe Pioneers taking part in the Newquay 10k run. With Mark Deacon (38:30) being the first male back for the pioneers, with Jo Robinson (40:42) being the first female pioneer over the line. Followed by Clive Finnimore (43:37), closely followed by Mandy Gibson (44:47). Alison Catnach completed the run in 49:49, quickly followed by Rob Kernaghan (50:57) then Darren Hardwick (51:54). With Di Foster (52:37),  seconds later  Martin Gregory (52:53), followed by the youngest pioneer to take part in race Megan Hearnden (53:00), followed by Helen Lawes (54:23). Quickly followed by Emma Collins (55:27), Linda Cuff (56:03), Geraldine Bowden (59:28), and Mick Torres (59:55) completing the route in under the hour mark. David Hotchkiss  finished just over the hour (1:01:04), followed by Sharon Moreau (1:04:41), then Kathy Saunders (1:07:01). Which was closely followed by Mandy Kemp and Lisa Kernaghan (1:07:18) who ran together. Moments behind them came Julie Gregory and Sandra Northcott (1:10:56). With Lynne Overd completed the route in 1:20:04. Guy Cooper and Shaun Pengelly also ran together. 

Saturday saw a plethora of Looe Pioneers head to either Eden or Lanhydrock to take part in the Park Runs. Park Runs are 5k in length and take place all over the country, being free to enter they are highly popular. Pioneers who travelled to Eden to take part were Mark Deacon who finished 6th out of 324 athletes in attendance, with an impressive time of 18:35, this is even more spectacular given that Mark has recently been injured and needed to rest for several weeks. Also taking part from the Pioneers include Emma Collins who finished 26:27 with a personal best time, Maddie Southall, recently awarded with junior pioneers of the year, also achieved a personal best time with 33:13. Sandra Northcott, who ran with Maddie came in 33:14.

Where as Lanhydrock saw more pioneers in attendance, with 182 other athletes taking part in the Park Run. Rob Kernaghan coming in first for the pioneers, with a time of 28:26. Mick Visick came in 31:03, with Paul Wright not far behind him with a time of 31:25. Mandy Kemp was the first female back for the Pioneers with a time of 35:19, Lisa Kernaghan completed the route in 36:28, which was a personal best time for her, followed by Kathy Saunders completing the run in 38:48 followed by Jackie Tanner 43:07.

Sunday's weather didn't deter just over 400 athletes, along with 19 Pioneers who took part in the first of the Cornish Grand Prix Series races, Storm Force 10.

Starting just outside Camborne this 10 mile race, takes the athletes through Barripper. From here the athletes, then run in a square taking in Carnell Green, Leedstown, before turning back on Praze Road and finishing the square to Carnhell Green, before running back through Barripper and returning to Camborne. With several of the Pioneers achieving personal bests on this undulating road race, there were also treated to seeing alpacas on route.

Mark Grassam (1:09:56) who had an excellent run and can celebrate this being the first race his has come back first for the Pioneers, as well as getting a personal best time for 10 miles. He was followed by Tommy Meyes (1:11:54) who also achieved a PB. Quickly followed by Gary Williams (1:12:51), Mandy Gibson (1:14:28) who came back third for her age category overall, and Clive Finnimore (1:14:44), who also achieved a PB for the run today. Followed by Alison Catnach (1:21:40), John Hoskin (1:26:22), Darren Hardwick (1:27:58) who also achieved his PB for 10 miles. Then Martin Gregory (1:28:35), with Helen Lawes and Linda Cuff running together (1:38:10), followed by David Hotchkiss (1:39:44), Nina Bond (1:43:32), Kathy Saunders (2:00:00) and Vicky Senior and Julie Gregory running together (2:00:56). Just over the 2 hour mark, came Lynne Overd (2:13:00) with Lisa Jago and Shaun Pengelly (2:14:00) 

Whereas as Mandy Kemp and Rob Kernaghan took part in  the Braunton 10K or 10 miles respectively. Both routes set off from the North Devon Athletic track, and take the Hill Road into the town of Braunton, then turning left to take the country lanes towards Knowle Water, where the two distance athletes split, the 10K route loops round on to North Lane and heads toward West Ashford, where athletes turn towards home, running through Heanton Punchardon and Heanton,  then back to the athletic track.

​For Rob and those other athletes that signed up for the 10 miler route, they left the 10K athletes, and headed out to Pippacott, then turned to Whitehall and on to Ashford, before rejoining the 10K runners at West Ashford. Mandy completed the slippery and hilly 10k route in 1: 06:00. Whereas Rob on the 10 miler track, which included two additional hills completed the route in 1:28:00.

January saw the annual awards evening for Looe Pioneers. Each year members of the club are asked to vote for a series of awards, this year the dazzling award ceremony and end of year party took place at Tencreek Holiday Park. 

Awards went to Mark Deacon for Best Male Runner of the Year, with Mandy Gibson picking up Best Female Runner of the Year. Both who are outstanding runners and frequently come first in their age group when competing.

Most Improved Female Runner of the Year went to Mandy Kemp, with Darren Hardwick being awarded the Most Improved Male Runner of the Year award. Darren only started running at the start of 2019 in the C25K training scheme and has gone on complete a half marathon, with his first marathon booked for April 2020.

Clive Finnimore was awarded Pioneer of the Month for December and picked up the award for Newcomer of the Year. Maddie Southall was awarded with Junior Pioneer of the Year, having competed in many of the club runs, most recently the 10 miler practice runs for the Looe 10 Miler Race which will take place on 22nd February. 

Peter Heywood received the Chairman's Choice Award, due to his outstanding contribution to supporting the club. 

Nina Bond won the Ian Slee award. Ian Slee was the founder of the club and the award was created after he sadly passed away in 2007, he was passionate about the love of running and the benefits that running provides. Nina, a fantastic runner, was awarded this for all the extra work that she puts in to the organisational aspects of the club, going above and beyond other runners. Previous winners have included Brian Maywood, Kirsty Webb and Di Foster.

The last two weeks of 2019, were certainly not quite ones for Looe Pioneers. With many athletes taking part in their longest run of the year, and having festive fun along the way. 

A record number of pioneers attended the festive Park Run at Eden Project, where athletes, donning seasonal fancy dress, run a 5K route, around the Eden. An impressive 47 Pioneers, and juniors took part in the race, which was the highest turnout for the pioneers at Eden Park Run for the year. Park runs are excellent events, which happen all over country. They are free to enter and are 5K in length starting at 9am. As they are open to everyone, you can try for a PB, or take it at a slower pace and enjoy the hour before the site opens. Both the Deacon brother's put in an amazing effort, with Mark Deacon coming in 4th overall, and his brother, Andy coming in top 20.  Jo Robinson finished first for the females. Gary Williams come in the top 20 out of nearly 300 competing athletes that day.


Christmas Eve saw the Looe Pioneers compete in a practice run of the Looe 10 miler, which is due to take place in late February. The route, takes the athletes from Millpool car park, running up West Road, across the muddy and in places slippery Downs. Then the athletes run towards Portlooe, and on to country lanes passed Hendersick National Trust site and on to Talland. Here they loop around Talland, taking them up to West Waylands Touring Park, back to Talland. Then the athletes run back passed the Hendersick National Trust site, then back home to Looe, via The Downs, then onwards and gratefully after a hilly run, downwards to the finish at the Millpool car park. For half a dozen of the Pioneers this was their first 10 mile race, including Jay Wagstaff, Mags Pope and Becky Allman. For Kathy Saunders, Darren Hardwick and Donna Gundry who were all part of the this years couch to 5 K training programme, this was a great achievement to have completed the route, having only started running in January 2019. Maddie Southall a junior pioneer, also completed the 10 mile route, she was the only junior to compete this year in the Christmas eve event. 

On Christmas Day when most people were opening their presents, Nina Bond and Christian Boyce, who are both race directors for Park Run with the additional support from Mark Deacon, organised a very special Park Run. Putting all three of them on Santa's nice list for year.  Taking place at the usual 9 am start time, a record number of people to take part in the 5K run, at Plym Valley. A staggering 400 athletes joined the athletic trio on Christmas Day morning for the Park Run, with Kylie Bond, Nina's sister joining in the 5K run.

To end the year on a high, dozens of  Looe Pioneers meet again at the Millpool car park to have another practice at the 10 miler route on New Years Eve. Following the same route as the Christmas Eve run. Athletes were greeted with the same muddy, and hilly conditions.

Darren Hardwick ran in the Longridge Christmas Pudding 7 mile race. During the race, he had to deal with freezing cold conditional and heavy rain. Hardwick ran an impressive route given the terrible weather conditions, completing the race 139th out of 416 athletes. With an impressive finishing time of 1:00:56, where he received a Christmas themed medal, in the shape of a pudding. 

Christmas Canter race took place Cardinham Woods, athletes could take part in the 5 or 10 k route, both routes take the athletes around Cardinham woods, but for those who do the 10k they get to do it twice. Several of the pioneers took part, dressed in their festive best, Nina Bond completed the 5K route in 35:07, Lisa Kernaghan completed the route in 34:00 who ran alongside Mandy Kemp. Whilst Zak was the first pioneering back rocketing across the finish line. Whilst Rob Kernaghan took on the hard 10K route, completing the route in 54:06 sadly the rain started for the second loop, making the conditions slightly harder for those athletes on the 10k route.

Saturday saw the Santa Fun Run, the one mile fun run taking athletes from west to east Looe. The days events brought together many community groups from the town, showing a great spirit to support the town and provide some entertainment for the people of Looe. Many of the Looe Pioneers joined in the fun, and to mark the festive occasion, they were dressed as presents.   Gary Williams was the first pioneer over the finish line for the pioneers at the fun run and Zak was the first junior pioneer back.  All competitors of the Santa fun run were rewarded with a box of Cornish Tea.

As is tradition for Looe, Santa arrived in style, arriving on boat with the help of the RNLI and a few reindeer helpers. 

Santa and Mother Christmas then take to their sleigh, followed by Sheila's Dance Class and the Pioneers, singing and dancing through the streets. Where Santa in his sleigh, then circles around the car park and goes to the Grotto to meet eager children, hopefully all of those children are on Santa's nice list. 

During the day, there was an indoor Christmas market, additional places to eat and drink as well as children's entertainment. Luckily the rain held off and lots of people came to see Santa and enjoy the festive fun. 

When the evening started to draw in the Christmas lights were switched on in the evening, lighting up the town, including the bridge followed by the lantern procession through the town. The evening at the entertainment continued, including a carol service and musical entertainment going on until 7.30. 

Last weekend saw Cheryl Broas take part in the Pelham half marathon. The 31.1 mile route, starting on 5th avenue, taking the athletes around this village in New York. The route takes the runners towards the Shore Park, then gets them to loop back, taking in two hills before the finish line. For Cheryl this was a special run, not only is this her hometown, but also she completed the race first, for women in her age group. 

Last Sunday saw an early start for 5 Pioneers, who took part in the Race for Wildlife race. Which is part of the Cornish Multi Terrain Race for 2019 series. The 7.5 mile route, taking place in the countryside north of Penzance. Taking in some of the spectacular views of both Mounts Bay and St. Michael Mount. Athletes had to negotiate both stiles and stony ground. The race's finish line was at Penwith College. Jo "The Rocket" Robinson came in 4th overall of the females, completing the route in 54:58. Shortly afterwards followed by Mark Grassam 55:27. Followed by Clive Finnimore  59:02, then Rob Kernaghan 1:06:55, followed by Nikki Williams 1:07:16. 

​Last Saturday saw Rob Kernaghan, competing in the Tilgate, West Sussex park run, completing the 5K route in 25:14. Dave Hotchkiss took part in the Eden Parkrun, completing the 5k route in 29:49. Park runs are great runs, 5K in length and take place all over the world, usually in really interesting locations, and are free to enter. 

Last weekend saw Mandy Gibson take part in the Gloucester 10k. This year the race incorporates the South West of England Inter Counties Challenge. Where Mandy was part of the Cornish female team. With County pride at stake, all the athletes were pushing themselves to their absolute limit. This is a massive honour to represent the county. The course, is an all inclusive event, with elite athletes running next to new runners, as well as a 10k wheelchair users. This is a mostly flat road race, taking place in the Haresfield and Colthorp Villages. The route starts at the Kingsway Manor Farm Park, taking the athletes on to Naas Lane, which takes the athletes over M5, heading down towards Haresfield, where athletes then loop back and again over the M5, to finish in the village centre. Mandy completed the route in 46:22 and her team walked away with Gold for Cornwall.  


Last Sunday saw 14 Pioneers travel down to Falmouth to take part in the 5 mile Mob Match, this was the last in the Cornish Grand Prix series. The route starts and finished out side of the impressive Falmouth hotel, taking the athletes on the coastal path and including some of the finest hill that Falmouth has to offer. this impressive route takes the runners, passed Pendennis point, taking in the opportunity to run passed the castle and Gylly beaches to Swanpool. From there athletes take a lap around Swanpool lake, for a final hill up to the cemetery then up again to the welcome site of the hotel and finish line. 

Clive Finnimore completed the route in 39:27,  Rob Kernaghan, who has already run the day before in the park run (42:00), Emma Collins finished in 44:52, Helen Lawes finished 45:36, Tania Elliott finished in 46:09 and achieved her personal best on many areas of the route. Sandra Northcott (55:33) who ran  the route with Guy Copper. Lisa Jago (1:04:09), Lynne Overd (1:05:39), Mandy Kemp ran with Lisa Kernaghan completing the route in 53:00. 

Following the Mob Match race the awarding of the trophies for people who had run either 8 or 15 races within the series. Several Pioneers picked up their trophies for completing 8 races, Guy Cooper, Clive Finnimore, Lisa Jago, Lynne Overd, Gary Williams, Shaun Pengelly, Mark Deacon, Mark Grassam, Mick Torres, Helen Lawes, Mandy Gibson and Linda Cuff. Andy and Tania Elliott completed 15 of the Grand prix races and picked up there awards. 

Jo Robinson, took part in the Venture Roller coaster Trail Race, in Blanchdown Woods. Finishing the race in 41:05, and she came third lady overall. The route is 5 miles, and takes in 5 hills, on forest track, taking place in the Tamar Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Given the recent rainfall, this was a muddy and at times slipper route. 

Last Saturday saw Paul Wright, Mike Visick (31:06), Mandy Kemp and Kathy Saunders take part in the Lanhydrock parkrun, with 140 other athletes. The Lanhydrock route is a tricky one, due to hilly section during the 5K route. Parkruns happen all over the world, are free to enter and take placed early on Saturday mornings. Whilst Christian Boyce (23:02), Nina and Kylie Bond (28:52) where holidaying in Orlando, Florida, they took part in the Caremont Waterfront parkrun. 

Last Sunday saw Robert Kernaghan and Mandy Kemp took part in the 12k Lopwell Loop. This hilly road race, which was organised by Storm Plymouth running club. The race starts at Tamerton Foliot and takes the athletes down towards Lopwell dam, then they loop back around to the Tamerton Foliot. Mandy completed the race in 1:24 where as Rob Kernaghan completed the route in 1:10. 

Last week, saw a series of events taking place for the Looe Pioneers within Cornwall. The brave Pioneers who battled against the wind and rain to compete in some spooktacular events.

On the eve of Halloween, 6 weather hardened athletes, took part in the Cardinham Woods Twilight Run. This creepy run, taking place at night, took the runners in the dark on a frightening 5k route. For those who were brave enough to do the 10K route, they would have the pleasure of running through the woods twice, just to give them a proper scare. 

The 5K route saw nearly 100 athletes complete in the race. With Rob Kernaghan completing the race in 28:40, Christian Boyce was hot on his heals (28:55). Nina Bond, as the first female athlete for the club to cross the finish line, with a time of 36:13. With Mandy Kemp (36:20) who came first in her age category, quickly followed by Lisa Kernaghan (36:23).

Darren Hardwick, was the only pioneer who did the 10k and completing the race in 53:18 and came in 27th out of 121 athletes who took part. 

This weekend was also the Cornish Marathon. However due to the terrible weather conditions that have been effecting Cornwall recently, there was a last minute change to the route, due to flooding, removing a much needed 6 miles of flat running whilst running near Jamaica Inn, for more hills. However, that didn't stop 10 Pioneers taking on the challenge. The route started at Pensilva with a quick loop around the primary school, from here the athletes, run toward the beautiful Golitha Falls, where athletes then ran toward the edge of the Moor, just to turn and run to the middle of Bodmin Moor, running passed Colliford Lake. Then turning just before the athletes reached Bolventor, to repeat the run back to Pensilva.

Jo "The Rocket" Robinson put in a truly amazing display, and after several races where she topped her age group, this race saw Jo come back first not only for the club, but also first female back. Jo ran against 475 runners taking part, with a superb finishing time of 3:18:50. This is an incredible achievement, given the weather, harder conditions and length of race.

Other Pioneers who took part were, Tommy Murran (3:21:07), Gary Williams (3:31:05), Emma Langstaff (3:51:08) who came second in her age category, Alison Catnach (4:12:42), Clive Finnmore (4:20:00), Gary Oswald (4:45:36) third in his age category, Tania Elliott (5:11:41), Mick Torres (5:21:32) and Andy Elliott (6:09:52). Mick Torres, Andy Elliott, Tania Elliott and Tommy Murran all choose the Cornish marathon to be there first marathon.

Showing real team spirit to support the athletes during the marathon, many of the Pioneers including Di Foster, Mandy and Phil Gibson, Guy Cooper and Nick and Mags Pope jumped on their bikes and clocked up 15 - 25 miles of the route, just to cheer on their friends and fellow runners!

Saturday saw great turn out from the Pioneers competing in the Eden Project parkrun. Helen Lawes (27:07), who finished 5th in her age category, making her 18th female across the line, out of the 211 athletes who took part.  Julie Gregory completed the run in 32:50. Also in attendance were Mark Deacon, Nina Bond, Christian Boyce, and Cathy Saunders.

Sunday, saw several pioneers taking part in the Tavy 7 race, which is organised by Tavistock Athletics Club. The 7 mile route, is held on Dartmoor, and takes the athletes from Plaster Down on the western edge of Dartmoor on an undulating route and goes past Pew Tor and the hamlet of Sampford Spiney on its 7 mile route. Along the way athletes are treated to wonderful scenery. Athletes who took part from the Pioneers included Di Foster (1:01:01), Sophie Wones (1:05:57), Dave Hotchkiss (1:08:34), Steve Skinner, and Mandy Kemp.

Last weekend saw a trio of pioneers travel over to Southsea, Portsmouth to take part in the Great South run. Nina Bond, Christian Boyce and Mark Deacon competed in the 10 miles route, which take the athletes from portsmouth Blue Reef Aquarium, along the coast towards Portsmouth Dock, then over to the University, back to Southsea, along the coast and back again to Southsea. 

The Pioneers Trio who took part in the race were Nina Bond, who completed the run in 1:38:44.  Christian Boyce finished in 1:17:33. For both Nina and Christian this was their personal best times for both 10 mile and 15K. Mark Deacon who wanted to finish the race near the hour mark, but managed to run an incredible time of 1:00:00, and finished 130th place. This was a personal best time also for Deacon. The trio did amazingly well, all to finished with personal best times, within a very popular race of 20,000 other athletes taking part. 

This weekend saw Looe Pioneers travel down to The Eden Project to take part in the Eden Marathon and Half Marathon. For Eden this is the 10th year of organising this event, and the race takes place over multi terrace and hilly route. 


Among the athletes taking part in the half marathon were Guy Cooper, who vowed never to do this race again having done it last year but returned this year. Guy completed the route in 2:53:07. Darren Hardwick, for Hardwick, this was his first Half Marathon, having only started club running in January with the Couch to 5K training scheme, crossed the finish line in 2:10:45. 

Jennine Fisher completed the run in 2:09:06. With three of the male Looe Pioneers, finishing the race, very close together.  Clive Finnimore, completed the route in just under 2 hours, with a time of 1:59:58, with Christian Boyce coming in 2:01:10  and Jon Hoskin just after him, with a time of 2:02:08. Nina Bond, completed the 13.1 mile route in 2:43:00. 

Helen Lawes finished in 2:08:09 which was a personal best on the course for her, having completed the route 11 minutes faster than previous years. Along with Mandy Gibson, who completed in 1:44:44, which was a person best on the course for her too. Nick Pope achieved a person best for a half marathon completing the route in 1:51:01.

This week saw a massive team turn out from the Looe Pioneers, who competed in the Plymouth 10K race. Sunday morning was an early start for most of the athletes travelling over the border. The Looe Pioneers joined nearly 4000 other athletes competing in either the 5k or 10k runs. 

The race started on New George Street, then athletes run up and down Royal Parade, to Exeter Street, Gdynia Way, then along the embankment, just to turn around and run back the way they had come. 

With so many of the Looe Pioneers in attendance special mention  should go to Di Foster, who completed the race in 57:45, which was a person best on last years efforts. Darren Hardwick who managed to achieve a personal best for the distance of 10K, having completed the 10k in 49:45. Personal bests also were achieved for Andy Urie (51:06), Sophie Wones (52:27), Jon Hoskin (52:29) and Christian Boyce (47:09).
​
Mark Deacon came in 31st overall, out of the thousands of athletes that completed, with an impressive time 37:59. Dale Staff came in 82nd with a time 40:57. Jo Robinson who was the first female from the pioneers over the finish line, and she came in 106th, with a time of 42:14. Mark Grassam came in 151st with a time of 43:41. With Shaun Pengelly, completed the run in 1:14:59.

This week, saw the Looe Pioneers making the most of the late summer sun, lets hope it last, as many of the athletes still have a lot of races left to run this session. The past week has seen the Pioneers taking part in runs all over the southwest. However with the dark evenings, most runs are now limited to the weekends only.


Sunday saw 10 Pioneers travel down to Truro to take place in the Half Marathon. This 13.1 miles route, is the 14th race in the Grand Prix series. The route is a hard and has two big hills to challenge athletes. The route takes the athletes from Truro town centre out to Feock, then the athletes loop back via on rural roads through Porth Kea. Mark Deacon came in first of the pioneers, with a time of 1:34:36, making him the 50th athlete to cross the finish line. Gary Williams completed the race in 1:35:35 which is a new personal best time for Gary. Mandy Gibson was the first female Pioneer who completed the route, with a time of 1:49:43. Just after the two hour mark was Rob Kernaghan (2:01:30), Clive Finnimore (2:02:00) and Helen Lawes (2:06:44). Followed by Tanya Elliott (2:18:04), Mick Torres (2:20:14), Andy Elliott (2:29:16) and Lynne Overd (3:08:42). 

Eight Looe Pioneers took on the daunting, spirit sapping, muscle cramping, body breaking Cornish coastal path challenge that the Mudcrew Roseland August Trail has to offer. On the menu was either the White (11 miles), Red (20 miles) or  Black RAT (32 miles) – or if feeling particularly masochistic – the full menu - known as the Plague – a 64 mile return trip from Porthpean in St Austell to St Anthony’s Point, from which you can see St Mawes. For Sally Crabb, Richard Patrick and Emma Langstaff, this Plague challenge was the equivalent of running up, and down, Ben Nevis, three times – and beginning the race at midnight, head torches aglow and the infamous coastal path steps and wet rocks waiting. All three, clad in puke green Mud crew provided running vests, did amazingly well with Sally finishing 5th woman.
The support of Andy Crabb and Suzie (Richard’s parther) was invaluable – as was the incredible care and attention given by the vast numbers of Mudcrew volunteers and marshalls. Cheryl Broas began the 32 mile Black RAT at 7am and picked her way through the field on the way back, finishing in an incredible 7 hours and 20 minutes – much to the joy of her delighted granddaughter – partner Robert Cioppa completed the White RAT and remarked it was the toughest event he had ever completed in his life. In the Red RAT – which is like climbing just the one Ben Nevis, Jo Robinson finished as 7th woman, in an impressive 3 hours and 57 minutes, whilst Kristie won the battle of the Maywoods, finishing nearly 30 minutes ahead of husband Bryan, in a time of 5 hours and 5 minutes. The race follows some of the most stunning coastline the world has to offer and the challenge certainly strengthens one’s resolve to appreciate what really matters in life – and at the Roseland August Trail what matters is human warmth, support and genuine care for others pushing themselves to the limit – and the Mudcrew team, Andrew Ferguson, Jane Stephens and more, should be thanked for making this happen. 

Results
11 miles – White RAT
Robert Cioppa 3 hours 43 minutes
 
20 Miles Red RAT
Jo Robinson 3 hours 57 minutes 
Kirstie Maywood 5 hours and 5 minutes 
Bryan Maywood 5 hours and 34 minutes
 
32 Miles Black RAT
Cheryl Broas 7 hours and 20 minutes
 
64 Miles Plague   
Sally Crabb 15 hours and 57 minutes 32nd out of 90 and
Richard Patrick 15 hours and 13 minutes 27th finisher
Emma Langstaff 17 hours and 16 minutes 49th out of 90 finishers

​23 miles or 2.3 miles – Looe Pioneers were at both distances this weekend.
On Saturday July 7th 3 Pioneers, Jo Robinson, Dale Staff and Emma Langstaff took on the horrendous Man v Coast challenge. 23 Miles of Cornish terrain beginning at Marazion beach was punctuated with even more horrendous challenges along the route including a vertical kilometre, regular cliff scrambles and a number of full immersions in the sea after jumping from the cliffs.

 The night before 32 Pioneers had travelled to Ivybridge, thanks to the Lanreath Community bus and the Looe Lions Love Bus, for the Erme Valley relays, with teams of 4 taking on the near 10 mile event in legs of around 2.3 miles. A fierce downhill start to the race, with runners beasting their ½ mile records, was then followed in the blistering heat with some muscle ripping hill climbs. Looe’s four teams of men and four teams of women all pushed themselves to the limit with the men’s A team finishing 10th out of 134 teams – an impressive achievement. Pioneer runners were:
Oli Thorogood, Oli Slee, Dale Tedder, Mark Deacon; Sean Baker, Paddy Odle, Joe Maywood, Gary Williams; Bryan Maywood, Graham Foster, Martin Gregory, John Gossan; Christian Boyce, Mick Torres, Guy Cooper, Andrew Elliott; Kirstie Maywood, Di Foster, Millie Foster, Emma Collins; Helen Lawes, Emma Baker, Tania Elliott, Ali Catnach; Phoebe Lawes, Edwina Hannaford, Lynne Overd, Julie Gregory; Ania Sobol, Nina Bond, Lisa Jago, Sandra Northcott.