Conquering the Beacon Beast: Carn Runners at Bodmin’s Toughest Challenge
On Sunday, 27th April 2025, Carn Runners faced one of Cornwall’s most demanding events—the Beacon Beast Marathon and its equally formidable half-marathon, the Beastie McBeastRace. With unexpected heat and rugged terrains, our members showcased resilience and camaraderie throughout the races.
Marathon: Steve and Dan’s Gruelling Adventure
Steve and Dan embarked on the full marathon, a nearly 27-mile course with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Starting under a misty sky in Bodmin, the sun soon broke through, turning the anticipated mild conditions into a sweltering challenge.
Steve recounted:
“A ‘multi-terrain challenge’ that certainly lived up to the ‘beast’ part of its name! The sun decided to make an appearance and stayed for the entire race, turning what we thought would be a comfortable run into a proper test of endurance. Note to self: always pack salt tablets and electrolytes, even when the forecast looks mild! The course itself was brutal, a figure-of-eight route that took us over A30 bridges/underpasses, streams, stiles, and even some tricky stepping stones where the boardwalk used to be – and those infamous Cornish hills! Around mile 23, another runner ran past and perfectly summed up the general feeling when he shouted, ‘Just one more idiot hill left!’ It’s safe to say the Beacon Beast route designer has a sense of humour!”
Their determination and perseverance exemplify the spirit of Carn Runners.
Half-Marathon: Janet, Sarah, Joanne, and Meryl’s Tenacious Effort
Taking on the Beastie McBeastRace, our ladies faced a challenging 14.7-mile course with approximately 1,700 feet of elevation. The steep climbs prompted one runner to exclaim:
“We must be near heaven by now!”
Despite the tough conditions, the team secured 8th place out of 10 clubs. Notably, Meryl achieved 4th in her age group, and Janet clinched 2nd in hers. Their achievements highlight the strength and determination within our club.
A Beast of a Race
Both races lived up to their names, presenting participants with challenging terrains, unexpected heat, and relentless hills. Yet, the stunning Cornish landscapes and the unwavering support among runners made the experience memorable.
Congratulations to all our members who took on the Beacon Beast challenges. Your grit and team spirit continue to inspire us all.
