Carn Runners had plenty to celebrate at the Treggy 7 on Sunday 6 September, with a 12-strong team representing the club on one of Cornwall’s most distinctive road-racing courses.
Warm weather and a genuinely hilly seven miles ensured that every finisher had to work hard, but the Carn runners responded with some excellent performances. Kerry, Sally and Tommy all collected age-category prizes, while there was determined running throughout the team.
Three age-category prizes for Carn
Kerry, Sally and Tommy each earned a place among the age-category prize winners, giving the club three excellent results to celebrate.
Those prizes were a highlight of the day, but they only tell part of the story. With 12 Carn Runners taking on the race, there were strong performances and plenty of club representation across the field.
The Treggy 7 forms part of the Cornwall Grand Prix road-racing calendar, bringing runners from clubs across the county together for an unusual seven-mile challenge.
James and Elena lead the Carn runners home
Vice Captain James was the first Carn male to finish, producing a strong run over the testing course. Nick was fairly hot on his heels, giving Carn two closely matched performances at the front of the club’s male contingent.
Elena was the first Carn lady across the line, with age-category prize winner Kerry following not far behind. Their performances added further strength to an impressive set of results from the club.
No finishing times are needed to underline the effort involved. On a warm day and over a course that repeatedly asks questions of the runners, getting the pacing right and maintaining momentum through the hills is an achievement in itself.
A course that makes runners earn the finish
The official Treggy 7 event information describes a circular route beginning in Launceston Town Square and finishing in the grounds of Launceston Castle.
Although the opening mile heads downhill out of the town, the route soon moves onto undulating rural roads. One of its defining challenges is the sustained climb towards Tregadillett, ensuring that the race earns its reputation as a tough test despite the final miles being mainly downhill.
The warmth made those climbs even more demanding this year, adding another dimension to an already challenging race. All 12 Carn finishers deserve credit for taking it on and representing the club so well.
Special mentions for Sally and Wayne
Sally’s age-category prize was particularly impressive given that she was still dealing with a little jet lag after her recent travels. She nevertheless got out there, raced well and added another excellent result to the club’s day.
There was also a special mention for Wayne, who stepped up his mileage for the event. Moving up to a longer race distance can be a significant challenge, especially on a course as hilly as this one, but he completed the seven miles and clearly had a brilliant time along the way.
Another strong team performance
The Treggy 7 provided another example of the depth within Carn Runners. There were age-category prizes at the sharp end, close contests between clubmates and committed performances throughout the 12-person team.
Huge congratulations to Kerry, Sally and Tommy on their prizes; to James and Elena for leading the Carn runners home; and to Nick, Wayne and every member who raced in the yellow and blue.
A warm day, seven hilly miles and 12 Carn Runners giving it their best — another excellent day of Cornish racing for the club.
