The winning team. (Image: Richard Collett)

Hayle Runners celebrated its 30th anniversary in style over the weekend, bringing together over 80 members for a marathon relay that perfectly captured the club's community spirit.

Held at the Recreation Ground in Hayle, the anniversary event saw six carefully balanced teams of runners of all ages and abilities compete to complete the marathon distance of 26.2 miles in the quickest combined time.

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Each participant ran either two one-mile legs or a single two-mile leg before handing the baton to a teammate.

The relay route took runners on a one-mile loop through Hayle, leaving the Recreation Ground via Black Road before heading through Glebe Row and Brookway, returning via Lethlean Lane for the next handover.

While the competition was close throughout, the emphasis was firmly on teamwork, encouragement and bringing members together.

Supporters lined the course throughout the afternoon, cheering runners on as many recorded personal bests over the one-mile distance.

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In warm sunshine and humid conditions, Team 2 claimed victory in a time of 3 hours, 21 minutes, and 54 seconds, narrowly finishing ahead of Team 1 by just 22 seconds.

Team 6 completed the podium in third place.

Hayle Runners chairman Richard Collett said: "When Hayle Runners started 30 years ago, I don't think anyone imagined we'd one day have hundreds of members.

"Seeing over 80 people of every age and ability running together, cheering each other on and laughing between relay legs summed up exactly what this club has become.

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"Of course everyone wanted to win, but the biggest success was watching runners who would never normally race together sharing a team.

"Whether someone was running a five-minute mile or taking a more relaxed pace, every leg counted exactly the same.

"There were some incredibly fast miles, plenty of personal bests and one memorable moment where Neil Hayhurst had the unenviable task of trying to slow himself down while covering another runner's leg.

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"Judging by the photo of him leaning on a fence waiting for permission to set off again, running flat out would probably have been easier for him."

Members remained at the Recreation Ground after the relay to enjoy food and refreshments provided by The REC Cafe, with runners, families, and supporters making the most of the sunshine and celebrating three decades of the club.

Club member and group leader Helen Squire said: "There was plenty of fun, laughter and just the right amount of competitiveness to keep things exciting.

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"A truly great atmosphere from start to finish."

Fellow group leader Steve Hagan added: "That was a belter of a day."

Hayle Runners would like to thank everyone who helped organise the anniversary event, as well as Nathan and his team at The REC Cafe for keeping more than 90 runners, supporters and volunteers fed and refreshed throughout the afternoon.

Over the past 30 years, Hayle Runners has grown from a small group of local runners into one of Cornwall's largest running clubs, with more than 350 members ranging from beginners taking their first steps into running through to county athletes and World Age Group champions.

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The club continues to welcome new members of all ages and abilities, proving that running really is a sport for everyone.

Anniversary Relay Results

1st - Team 2 - 3:21:54

(Alex Brooks, Jenny Buckland, Jerry Cartlidge, Debbie Gossington, Neil Hayhurst, Deborah Hocking, Frazer Humbles, Simon Jeffs, Paul Launder, Wendy Pascoe, Kevin Silver, Deborah Sturges)

2nd - Team 1 - 3:22:16

3rd - Team 6 - 3:27:58

4th - Team 4 - 3:31:16

5th - Team 5 - 3:34:20

6th - Team 3 - 3:36:47