When we first heard that the Eden Marathon was taking place, we thought it would be nice to have the first one on the CV as in years time it might be a popular one on the calendar. We persuaded Glynnis that it would be an ideal first marathon as she wouldn't be lung busting on a flat course and we could all stroll around and finish comfortably. Carol Culley joined us in the pact that we would all stick together and help get everyone round. We even ran the taster that Snozzle had provided a few weeks back and agreed it looked a bit of a toughie. Kathryn from Hayle joined the ever growing Band of Brothers (movie link Helen) and I agreed to dress up in the 118 outfit to assist Steve Hole in his exploits.

We had also persuaded friends of ours, Bob (Rupert) Hamilton and Marilyn Manze (just back from a fortnight on the Trans Siberian Express and B&Bing with Mongolian families) to come down from the smoke for the weekend and give an eclectic feel to the mini bus journey to the race. A pre race pasta party at our drum proved popular and Kathryn showed her sub conscious desire to be a Carnie by dressing up as a cross between one and a 118er.

Our running buddy Jane, who we must work on to join us at Carn, and partner Simon joined us on the bus along with Kathryn's hubbie Ken, the driver, Mike and Pat from Hayle and Carol and Lizzie Culley.

An early morning start got us to Eden and a virtually empty car park apart from a smart motor home which would have made ideal changing rooms. Hopped on the bus to the project but there wasn't much going on down there except better loos (no, not he girl Beckham had his fling with) and we decided to move up to base camp which was now busy with folk and many of the 20 Carnies who would take part in either race.

Wendy decided that the 118 look wasn't for her so I was left to try and stick a false moustache on my real one (unsuccessfully of course) and joined Steve in the changing area. Of course we were supposed to run together as twins but I couldn't find him at the start despite all the directory enquiries so I guessed I would be a 59er for the race.

The Illuminati congregated for the start and once we were off we managed to assemble in our Red Arrow formation for the next 20 odd miles. All the jibbers turned right for their downhill and we all turned left for our uphill. A nice easy pace got us all the way to Lanvean where the Carnie Support Crew, those Sugababes, Judy, Laura and Sandy were whooping it up for us. Thanks ladies you were a great inspiration to us all day and your magnificent support was one of the highlights of the day.

Bowling Green was reached and the first off the off road hills and this first time I allowed Carol to walk. Assuming my Pol Pot meets Indiana Jones persona, I was barking the orders to all and sundry. We were joined for the next 15 or so miles by Graham from CAC whose was just back from injury and wanted a bit of company.

Promising everyone stupendous views of the Bays when we got to the summit made a liar of me as we had brilliant views of mist instead and the wind was pretty strong up there and I had to keep the wig on tight to avoid an instant hair cut. Counting the miles was easy but counting the marshals was difficult and we have to thank them all for the terrific and friendly job they did for us.

The undulating course eventually got us back to Eden and the big hill that I allowed Carol her second walk of the day before turning back into the second 13. A nice downhill start was a nice reward after the recent hill although one or two drivers could have done with taking their foot off their accelerators, its Sunday fellas, take it easy.

Paul the RD had told us a few weeks back that he thought the half marathon route was easier than the first 13. I think most of us would disagree after the next few miles though Luxulyan Valley which went on and on upwards and you had to watch where you put your feet. I think this was the low point for most and poor old Carol got most of my prodding and pushing.

Out of the valley and into the country lanes again and we tried to persuade a few 1^st timers to join us just for the company really we hope we gave them enough inspiration to keep going. However one poor chaps race ended at 19 when everything ran out and he ended up sparko in the muddy road conditions. A local turned up to help him and we understand that he made a decent recovery and will probably learn to listen to the advice of his running mate next time.

Everything past 20 was now a new milestone for Glynnis and her joy at each mile marker was only exceeded by a young lady from Devon who raised the roof at each post. The joy she had at running the race was what it was all about and gave us all a lift. My bullying and whipcracking of Carol was needed much more as we neared the project and her gels had run out anyway so it was walk the hills and run the flat and you will be home safely O captain my captain.

What a view of the Domes as you reach the top of the descent and we shuffled together to get into order so that Glynnis could lead us home past the finish and be greeted by her family at the finish and the euphoria that floods through you after your first and the rest of us resembled the Von Trapps as we skipped over the line.

Times were totally irrelevant especially with the Cornish around the corner and to have done it was all that mattered.

After the cooling down period and masses of photographs it was back to the finish line and welcome home Mike in a time that beat his London so well done mate! A very pleasant meal followed at the Victoria Pub and home to a nice soak and a relatively early night.

We agreed that it had been a really enjoyable run where you didn't have to flog yourself trying to get a good time and you could run for the sake of running. A 26 mile club night run was how we described it. Glynnis did not feel anything but joy afterwards and is now looking forward to her next one, (we're all off to Paris next year and I understand Wendy and I are maybe only the lucky ones to get London through the ballot, the 118 homage worked). Wendy hadn't run a marathon for three years and felt so good after she now has posted her entry for the Cornish which has lain on the dresser for a while until she made her mind up. Well done Carol, you can run marathons and despite my Flashman like bullying, you did it yourself. And well done Kathryn too. Take a bow ladies (that includes the Sugababes)!

Well done to all the Half Marathoners - Mark Dorrell, Barrie Drew, Helen Thomas, Andy Millward, Denise Cardew, Olivia Pellowe, Lizzy Culley, Rachel Vaughan, Ali Galloway and Milly Ralph.

And the 1 mile Fun Runners - Olivia Harrison and Amy Galloway.

More photos in the gallery.