Eden Project Marathon
10.10.10
Experience Eden as you never have before – take part in one of our races on 10 October 2010. We’re inviting everyone from serious runners through to enthusiasts and families to take part in a series of races through the extraordinary scenery surrounding the Eden Project.
Kicked off last year, the Eden Marathon is the largest race in Cornwall, offering the full and half Marathons through the Clay Country, and the Fun Run right through the biomes on-site.
Runner’s World, the UK’s biggest running magazine, rated it 89% in 2009, describing it as an “impressive debut”. One reader wrote: “A great race, tough course and superb fun. It was well organised and the atmosphere among the runners was fantastic.”
A day to remember
The route for the full and half Marathons is a challenging one that will give runners a taste of the journey that the landscape itself has been through. Highlights last year included the man-made spoil heaps of the ‘Cornish Alps’, the Luxulyan granite works that have been reclaimed by nature and, of course, the former china clay pit that now welcomes over a million visitors a year – the Eden Project. The full routes will be available on the website in the coming months.
It’s also a lot of fun! In true Cornish style, runners can enjoy beer, pasties and medals on the finishing line. We’re laying on a pasta party the night before, too, where participants can carb up in the beautiful surroundings of the dramatically lit Biomes.
What happened last year
Around 2,000 runners took part in the 2009 event, with some impressive results.
The winner of the Marathon was Pete Roper from Shaftesbury, Dorset who runs with Poole Athletics Club. Pete’s time was 2 hours 46 minutes 11 seconds. Pete, a seasoned runner with a number of race wins under his belt, said: “It was a demanding race and the scenery was great. It’s an honour to be the first ever winner of the Eden Marathon.”
The first woman across the line was Ann Singer from Portishead Running Club with a time of 3 hours 38 minutes 32 seconds. Ann, who was running her first marathon, said: “The route was very hilly but really good. I felt strong all the way round but I was very surprised at the result. My aim was just to make it round the course.”
The half Marathon was won by Chris Thompson from London who runs for the Aldershot, Farnham and District Athletic Club with a time of 1 hour 18 minutes 41 seconds. Chris is the partner of Jemma Simpson. Chris, who was running his first ever half Marathon, said: “I found it really satisfying. It was a good honest, tough run. To finish here at Eden was awesome.” The fastest woman in the half Marathon was Kathryn Philpotts of Swaledale Road Runners with a time of 1 hour 37 minutes 12 seconds.
Download full Marathon results (Excel spreadsheet)
Download full Half-Marathon results (Excel spreadsheet)
Download full Fun Run results
(Excel spreadsheet)
Why a Marathon at Eden?
In a world where we are facing immense challenges the Eden Project exudes a spirit of positive change. The world-famous Biomes, nestled into a worked-out china clay pit, have transformed a once-scarred landscape where nothing grew into something quite beautiful and fertile. Over 10 million people have passed through the Eden gates since opening in 2001. So if we could build this place, surely together we can all take on even bigger challenges.
Eden is an integral part of the community in which it sits. The idea of hosting the Eden Project Marathon came from a conversation with the local St. Austell Running Club. Their 150 members, who have commitment, enthusiasm and passion in abundance, worked with us to create a series of runs through Eden and the dramatic Clay Country to offer a unique sporting experience – and one which would draw visitors to the region.
The Eden Marathon is just one example of the many ways the Project acts as a catalyst for economic growth in the local region, alongside providing much-needed jobs and supporting businesses as part of its local sourcing policy.
Practical Information
Getting ready for the big day
Taking part in running events can be hugely beneficial to your health - if you follow sound advice on training, drinking and eating. There are all sorts of resources out there on preparation, but we particularly like www.runnersmedicalresource.com. It’s put together by the respected organisations behind UK leading road races and triathlons, include the Flora London Marathon and the BUPA Great North Run. We want you to equip yourselves with the right information so you enjoy a safe and healthy race!
Contacting us
We’ll be updating our website in the coming months with all the practical information you need to take part. But if you have a query in the mean time, please contact us at marathon@edenproject.com
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