The Best Running Events in Cornwall 2024
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As the end of summer approaches, you may be searching for running events in Cornwall to keep you driven and motivated as we spring into Autumn. At Cornwall Air Ambulance, we would love to support you in turning your passion into lifesaving action!
Here is our round-up of inspiring, fun, and challenging running challenges in Cornwall to help you achieve your fitness goals while raising vital money for charity.
Are you ready to hit the ground running?
Top Running Events in Cornwall Coming Up This Year
1. Runway Runaround – 19th October
Runway Runaround is back at Perranporth Airfield with two runs open to running enthusiasts of all ages. The first run will be a 2.5K circuit for children up to 16 years, with fancy dress encouraged. One parent can join their child at no extra cost as they make their way around the giant fun run. There will also be a DJ playing live music, children’s rides and inflatables (weather permitting) to keep the whole family entertained! Plus, food and beverages will be available from the onsite cafe. The second run will be a 10K loop for adults (16+ years) with optional fancy dress. Both runs will raise money for Cornwall Air Ambulance and support lifesaving services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
When & Where?
Saturday 19th October 2024
What3Words: ///playback.class.sunshine
Cost to Enter
£5 – Fancy Dress Children’s 2.5K Fun Run
£18 – Individual Adults 10K Run
2. Cornish Marathon – 3rd November
As Cornwall’s only all-road Marathon, this event offers you the chance to challenge yourself across 26 miles and 365 yards of undulating paved routes and country lanes. The route begins at the Millennium Centre in Pensilva, near Callington. It then takes you on a journey southwest, towards Golitha Falls, behind Mutton Downs, into Bunnings Park and past Dozmary Pool. The circuit then loops around and follows the river Fowey back towards Draynes Bridge and the well-deserved finish line. This marathon passes many landmarks, such as Colliford Lake, the Jamaica Inn and King Doniets Stones, providing the perfect spots for onlookers and supporters. This event supports the Liskeard and Looe foodbank, and food donations are welcome on the day.
When & Where?
Sunday 3rd of November 2024
What3Words: ///exhaling.mouths.needed
Entry Details
UKA Member – £35.00
Non UKA Member – £37.00
Food donations welcome on the day
3. Run Mawnan – 22nd September
Set in the picturesque Cornish village of Manwan Smith, this event offers three options, including a 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Children’s Fun Fun. The adult courses start and finish at Carwinion Playing Field and follow pretty country road routes past village landmarks. Both take you past the renowned Red Lion Pub and towards Trebah Gardens. All runners then turn at the Helford passage, with 5K participants turning to the playing field, whilst the 10K entries continue north through the village and up Sampys Hill. The route continues to Boskensoe Farm, through Tregarne to Penwarne, before returning to Carnwinion Road.
The children’s 1-mile fun run route follows a path past the primary school and along Carwinion Lane, where children can run alongside a responsible adult. There will also be refreshments, including a licensed bar, BBQ and cake stall, and entertainment and stalls, making it an enjoyable day out for the whole family.
When & Where?
Sunday 22nd September 2024
What3Words: ///puppy.wolves.beside
Entry Details
Children’s Fun Run – £5
5K Under 18’s – £10
5K 18-59 – £15*
5K 60+ – £15
10K 18-59* – £15
10K 60+ – £15
*NUS Student Rate – £10
4. Lighthouse Marathon – 9th November
If you want to push yourself to your limit, this marathon is for you. This marathon throws an exciting terrain of rocks and sand, mud and water at you along the rugged southwest coast path – your goal is to beat the beacon of light from the lighthouse before it gets dark. This race starts at Pendeen and ends at Godrevy and covers 26.2 miles of the most testing terrain in Cornwall. Expect trials and tribulations as you reach 4000 feet of elevation whilst exploring sights such as Gurnard’s Head, Portmeor Beach, St.Ive’s, and Carbis Bay before reaching the mind-bending section of Lelant to Black Rocks in Hayle. Enjoy your last water stop at Black Rocks Car Park before traversing the Dunes of Doom, crossing the Red River, and returning to the finish line – all before the lighthouse glows.
When & Where?
Saturday 9th of November
What3Words: ///honestly.scribble.chitchat
* register at Sunset Surf Cafe, with buses departing at 8:30 am
Entry Details
Affiliated £50.00 (+ service fee)
Non-Affiliated (UKA/ARC clubs) – £52.00 (+ service fee)
5. Atlantic Coast Challenge – 4th-6th October
The Atlantic Coast Challenge is only for the brave. During this event, you will complete three marathons (78.6 miles) over three days, from Padstow to Lands End, putting your mind, body and soul to the test. Run, walk and crawl your way along the wildest coastlines in Britain, with steep uphill climbs and never-ending descents that offer you the chance to master your mindset and exert superhuman levels of strength and stamina whilst trail running. Can you conquer Padstow to Perranporth, Perranporth to St.Ives and Lelant to Land’s End? Dare to complete this challenge, and you will receive an Atlantic Coast challenge T-shirt, medal and, of course, a well-deserved Cornish pasty!
When & Where?
Friday 4th, Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th October 2024
What3Words: ///redefined.reflect.firebird
Entry Details
One-Day Entry – £70.00
Full Three-Day Entry – £200
Tips for Preparing for These Cornwall Running Events
Whilst you may want to throw yourself in the deep end, preparing for running events is important so that you can feel your best on the day, achieve the results you want and experience a smooth recovery after the event. Whether participating in a charity fun run or a more extreme, tough-terrain challenge, here are some top tips for running preparation.
1. Create a Training Plan
Whatever the distance, give yourself enough time to train based on your experience. If you are taking part in a 5K run, 6-8 weeks of preparation will be enough; however, realistically, for a marathon, you need between 3-6 months to prepare your body. Make sure you progress your training plan gradually to prevent injuries and schedule rest days so your body can recover and adapt over time.
2. Focus on Nutrition and Hydration
Eating a healthy, balanced diet in the weeks leading up to an event can support your body in performing at its best. Make sure you are eating enough carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle repair and healthy fats for endurance. It is also important to drink plenty of water on the day of the event to stay hydrated. For longer, more challenging runs, you may consider electrolyte drinks, small snacks, energy bars and gels to sustain your body.
3. Practise Your Race Day Conditions
Practising your race day conditions can support you to perform your best. For example, if your race starts at 8 am, practise running in the morning. If your race is on the coast path with many steep hills and descents, practice running on the coast path. You can also practise your pacing strategy to learn to conserve energy for later stages.
What to Bring on Race Day
Depending on the length and environment of your running event, you will need to bring varying pieces of running gear and equipment. This equipment can make a huge difference in your comfort and performance levels!
Use your common sense to choose relevant equipment for the list below:
- Comfortable running trainers
- Light-weight, breathable running clothes
- Weather-specific items (sunhat, sunglasses, lip, balm, warm layers)
- Lightweight, waterproof jacket
- Water bottle (+ Hydration pack/belt for longer runs)
- Electrolyte drinks
- Energy gels and chews
- Safety pins for your race bib
- GPS watch/tracker app
- First aid/blister pack
- Mobile phone
- Portable charger
- Recover snacks
- Emergency money
Support Cornwall Air Ambulance: Sign Up for Runway Runaround!
At Cornwall Air Ambulance, we rely on your generosity to keep your helicopter flying so that we can continue to provide lifesaving care across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Join us on Saturday, 19th of October, for Runway Runaround, the next in our series of running challenges in Cornwall. Each step you take helps fund the vital, lifesaving work within our Cornish community whilst allowing you to push yourself and have fun along the way!
Want to explore more running events across the UK and beyond?
Explore our running challenges in Exeter, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, London and more!