This year, the Eden Project celebrated 15 years of hosting the event in partnership with St Austell Running Club.
Despite a soggy start, the event saw records broken across several categories, including three consecutive wins in the men’s full marathon and the fastest women’s half marathon in the event’s history.
Adrian Bastian, age 57 of Helston, Cornwall, crossed the finish line of his 100th marathon in front of the Biomes with a time of 05:01:35. Adrian has taken part in nine marathons at the Eden Project while on his journey to 100.
More than 1,200 runners signed up to this year’s event, which has cemented itself as a bucket list race in the running calendar. Over the years, more than 17,000 participants have registered to tackle the challenging course, with participants travelling from as far as Australia, the Netherlands and Germany to take part this year.
Adrian, a member of the 100 Marathon Club, said: “Funnily enough, my first race was the Eden Half Marathon, I think in about 2008, so the Eden Marathon has always had a place in my heart.” Adrian’s next challenges see him taking on the Bys Vyken Lighthouse Ultra Marathon in November and the gruelling 100-mile Arc of Attrition in January 2026.
The fastest man in the Eden Project Marathon was Steven Reynolds from Truro, who finished with a time of 03:00:09. Steven runs with Truro Running Club, with this year’s event marking three consecutive wins – a first since the Eden Marathon began in 2009.
In second place was Johnny Hesnan of Wadebridge, with a time of 03:01:17. Third place went to Ross Portass from Plymouth, who finished with a time of 03:14:52.
The fastest woman in this year’s Eden Project Marathon was Kerrie-Ann Grant of Bideford, finishing with a time of 03:59:58. She was followed by Mia Flanagan from Yelverton with a time of 04:05:56. Finishing third was Dulcie Gatehouse from Bridport with a time of 04:10:39.
The first man across the finish line in the half-marathon was Lloyd Milbourn of Plymouth, who finished with a time of 01:22:53. Second place went to Fergal Stephenson from St Austell with a time of 01:25:34. Coming in third was Marcus Fletcher from Frome, who runs with Team Bath, with a time of 01:27:21.
The women’s Eden Project Half-Marathon winner was Anna Harrold from Truro, who broke the event record with a time of 01:23:50 and came second overall in the half. The record for the women’s half-marathon was previously held by Lesley Locks from Fleet in Hampshire. Leslie crossed the finish line in 2017 with a time of 01:26:54.
Second to cross the finish line was Lauren Knox from Plymouth, who runs with Storm Plymouth, with a time of 01:30:38. The third fastest with a time of 01:33:13 was Laura Macro from Exeter, who runs with South West Road Runners.
Each year, the Eden Project Marathon and Half-Marathon, sees participants taking on the challenging multi-terrain course across breath-taking Cornish landscapes before crossing the finish line in front of the Eden Project Biomes and being awarded with a medal, a well-earned Cornish pasty, and a beer courtesy of St Austell Brewery.
Over the event’s fifteen years, there has been no shortage of inspiring stories and amazing performances from runners. The record for fastest man in the Eden Marathon is currently held by Pete Roper, who finished with a time of 02:43:12 in 2011, whilst Naomi Tier is the fastest woman to complete the Marathon in 03:12:24 in 2010.
Bernard Rotich is the fastest man in the Half-Marathon, setting the record in 2019 at 01:09:24.
The Eden Project’s commercial manager, Tracey Smith, who has organised the event since its inception, said: “We’re thrilled to have hosted such a milestone moment for Adrian here, and seen some incredible new records created, especially during our 15th year of running this event. All of the runners taking part perfectly capture the spirit of the event – determination, grit and community.
“It’s been wonderful to see this event grow over the years, and we extend our thanks to our partners at St Austell Running Club who make this event possible. We can’t wait to welcome the runners back next year as Eden marks its 25th birthday.”
Doug Alsop, race director, said: “It’s been a privilege to partner with the Eden Project in the running of this fantastic event for 15 years. It continues to inspire and attract runners of all abilities from all over the world.
“Congratulations to all who took part and a special thank you to everyone who helps keep this event running smoothly, including our wonderful volunteers and marshalls.”
As well as attracting passionate runners from across the country and further afield, the event has seen a number of famous faces take part, including much-loved DJ Scott Mills, who took part in 2011, raising £10,000 for the MS Society charity in the process.
Last year, Love Island favourite Luke Mabbott chose the event as his first ever Marathon, cheered across the finish line by his fiancée and fellow Love Islander Lucie Donlan.
The age range of runners is vast too, with those taking part this year from 17 up to the mid-70s.
Beyond the phenomenal achievement of taking part, participants are encouraged to fundraise for worthy causes, with money raised from entry fees directly supporting the creation of wildflower habitats at the Eden Project to help wildlife and pollinators thrive.
The date for next year’s Eden Marathon and Half-Marathon, which will take place in the educational charity’s 25th birthday year, is confirmed as October 18, 2026.
To find out more and to register your interest, visit www.edenproject.com.
