The Eden Project hosts the annual event in partnership with St Austell Running Club, welcoming runners from across Cornwall, the UK and beyond to take on one of the country's most challenging and scenic road-running events.
Steven Reynolds from Truro Running Club completed the race with a time of 2:54:31, coming in first out of 252 runners registered to take part in the full marathon on the crisp autumn Sunday.
Steven said: “It was such nice weather today; it did make a lot of difference. The ground was a little bit harder on the trail sections, which made it a little bit more runnable, it prompted me to go off maybe a bit too fast in the woods at the start, but I just about managed to hang on in there in the second half. I just got over a chest infection a couple of weeks ago, so I knew it was gonna be a bit of tough job.”
The challenging event has become a popular fixture in the running calendar and attracts participants from across the UK and overseas.
The winner of the women’s Eden Project Marathon was 19-year-old Annie Wisely from Plymouth. Running her first ever marathon, Annie crossed the finish line with a time of 3:24:14.
When asked what inspired her to take part, Annie said: “I just like trail running, so I thought it would be nice! And I like Cornwall, so, I thought it would be good. I’ve never done a marathon before – it was amazing.”
Close to 1200 runners registered to take part in what marks 16 years of the annual event at the Eden Project, which celebrates 25 years as a charity and global garden destination this year.
Six runners were also celebrating birthdays today, including Cameron Southey from Bideford who chose to spend his 30th birthday taking part in the Eden Project Half Marathon, ringing in a time of 2:59:59.
Marathon results
The fastest woman in the Eden Project Marathon was Annie Wisely from Plymouth with a time of 3:24:14.
She was followed by Charlie Ramsdale from Dartmouth in 3:42:20. Finishing third was Dulcie Gatehouse from Bridport, with Bridport Runners, with a time of 3:44:00.
The fastest man in the Eden Project Marathon was Steven Reynolds from Truro, running with Truro Running Club, with a time of 02:54:31.
In second place was Ross Portass from Plymouth with a time of 3:16:45. Third place went to Phil Howard from Woking – a member of the 100 Marathon Club - who finished in 3:17:34.
Half-marathon results
The women's Eden Project Half Marathon winner was Sarah Hoskin, running with the Mile High Running Club in Penryn, finishing in 1:26:31.
Second to cross the finish line was Lauren Knox from Plymouth, part of Storm Plymouth, with a time of 1:27:52. Third was Emma Paull from Helston with Hayle Runners, coming in at 1:29:15.
The first man across the finish line in the half marathon was Jordan Andrews from Plymouth, finishing in 1:19:05.
Second place went to David Tregonning from Luxulyan with a time of 1:23:30, while third place went to Matthew Battley from Richmond in 1:24:13.
Each year, the Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon sees participants tackle the demanding route through the Cornish countryside before crossing the finish line in front of the Eden Project Biomes and receiving a medal, a well-earned Cornish pasty and a beer courtesy of St Austell Brewery.
The Eden Project's Commercial Manager, Tracey Smith, who has organised the event since its inception, said: "This year's event has once again demonstrated the incredible determination, resilience and community spirit that define the Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon.
“It has been wonderful to welcome runners from near and far to Cornwall and to celebrate their achievements, whether chasing personal bests, supporting charities or simply taking on the challenge of reaching the finish line.
“We are hugely grateful to our partners at St Austell Running Club, our volunteers, marshals, sponsors and supporters who help make the event such a success."
Chris Baggot, who is co race director with Armando Vieira, said: "It continues to be a privilege for St Austell Running Club to work alongside the Eden Project in delivering this fantastic event.
“The course remains one of the toughest and most rewarding in the country and it's always inspiring to see runners of all ages and abilities taking on the challenge.
“Congratulations to everyone who participated.”
Over the years, the event has attracted runners from around the world and featured countless inspirational stories, from milestone marathon achievements to significant charity fundraising efforts.
The age range of participants once again demonstrates the event's broad appeal, with this year’s runners ranging from 17 to 74.
Beyond the achievement of completing the course, participants are encouraged to raise funds for good causes, while money raised through entry fees supports the creation of wildflower habitats at the Eden Project to help wildlife and pollinators thrive.
The date for next year's Eden Project Marathon and Half-Marathon is Sunday 17 October 2027. Entries will open in spring 2027.
