THE signs were there from the very start, Hayle Runners were due to make history in 2025 with outstanding race results throughout this year’s Cornish Grand Prix.

On Sunday, November 23 the glimmer of hope that grew as the months went on shone into resounding success with both the men’s and ladies’ team clinching joint first place alongside Cornwall AC.

It’s the first time in the club’s history that Hayle Runners has won the GP series.

Club chairman, Richard Collett, said: “We're absolutely thrilled to claim our first-ever GP series title. This is a milestone our whole club has fought hard to achieve. Every runner who lined up this season, every member who pushed a teammate in training, and every coach, leader, volunteer, and supporter who kept us moving forward played a vital part in this result.

“Finishing in joint first place shows just how far we've come and how fiercely we've competed this year. We're excited to build on this momentum and see what the 2026 season brings.”

High praise has to go to Melissa Nicholas and Fiona O’Neill who came overall second and third place winners of the GP series. Melissa came first in her F35-39 age category, with Fiona taking gold in the F40-44 category.

Hels Dunlop, ladies’ captain, said: “Our ladies have worked extremely hard this year and it has paid off big time.

“Not only have our ladies team got to the top of the GP circuit, but all our ladies who have taken part in the races have played their part in getting Hayle ladies where they are.

“As ladies captain, I am extremely proud of each and every one of the ladies. A wonderful club to belong to.”

There were 15 age category winners for the overall GP series from Hayle Runners. The other 13 were:

Jemma Kearney (third – Under 35); Corinne Gerrard (second – F50-54); Mel Burgess (third – F55-59); Andrea Simmons (first –F70-74); Diane Warren (second – F70-74); Liam O'Neill (third – M35-39); Steve Hagan (second – M40-44); Neil Hayhurst (third – M40-44); Edmund Bennett (second – M45-49); Jon Eldon (first – M60-64); Rowan Mulliss (third – M70-74); Chunky Penhaul (first – M75-79); Stewart Townend (first – M80-84).

A shout out also goes to Jemma Kearney who finished third in the mini-GP (under 18s competition).

Paul Warmington, men’s captain, paid testament to the efforts of Hayle and said: “After coming close over the last few years, the men have finally got their reward of finishing as joint winners of the GP series.

“It’s no mean feat to finish in joint first, it's an incredibly competitive field. It’s testament to the strength in depth Hayle has in its ranks, as many different men have made the team at various races and it shows the club is in a really good place. I’m so pleased and proud of everyone involved with the men's teams and club in general.”

The silverware didn’t stop with the age category winners – trophies were also handed out to 34 Hayle Runners who completed eight of the 14 series races.

These were: Laura Haghani; Corinne Gerrard; Emma Johns; Zoe Renowden; Diane Warren; Jemma Kearney; Helen Squire; Jackie Stone; Andrea Simmons; Mel Burgess; Bridget Lewis; Helen Cuthbert; Samantha Collier; Sam Kearney; Neil Hayhurst; Kieran Murrant; Todd Reynolds; Rowan Mulliss; Edmund Bennett; David Wilding; Andrew Searle; Nathan Cudmore; Peter Kearney; Cas Leo; Steven Hagan; David Guffick; Frazer Humbles; Chunky Penhaul; Chris Campbell; Michael Orchard; Andrew Heather; David Gill; Stewart Townend; Mark Squire.

Completing at least eight of the races to claim a trophy is a great achievement, but huge respect has to go to the six Hayle Runners who completed all 14 events.

Those runners were: Anthony Burrows; Darren Uren; Fiona O'Neill; Jon Eldon; Liam O'Neill; Melissa Nicholas.

Darren Uren picked up the prize of ‘most consecutive Grand Prix races’ and Stewart Townend took the title of ‘oldest competitor’.

The end of season celebrations were held at Princess Pavilions in Falmouth after the traditional series finale event, Mob Match.

The five-mile road race is a team event, with a fantastic 49 Hayle Runners taking part.

It started around the magnificent Pendennis Headland, along Falmouth’s iconic seafront, passing Gyllyngvase and Swanpool beaches, before a fast finish outside the Falmouth Hotel.

Congratulation to Diane Warren, who took gold in the F70-74 age category and Neil Hayhurst, taking first place in the M45-49category.

Hayle ladies took third place in the female team category, thanks to Lucy Paull, Melodie Manners, Debbie Harrison-Webb, Lee Strickland, Corinne Gerrard, Kate Frame, Anna Goodman, Laura Haghani, Bridget Lewis and Mel Burgess.

Not to be outdone, Hayle’s men smashed second place in the male team category, thanks to Daniel Costello, Sam Farmer, Neil Hayhurst, Jacob Gardner, Ross Reilly, Kieran Murrant, David Guffick, James Manning, Mark Williams and Scott Abraham.

The overall results for Mob Match saw Daniel Costello and Sam Farmer take fourth and fifth respectively.