News

More than 400 ultra-marathon runners braved thunderstorms and scorching sunshine to take on 44 punishing miles of rough and rugged terrain in this year’s Classic Quarter, pushing themselves to the limit while raising money for local charity Cornwall Hospice Care.

Now in its seventh year, the Classic Quarter is Cornwall’s original test of endurance, taking in the South West Coast Path from the Lizard to Land’s End.

First to cross the finish line on Saturday (8 June) was Gary Richards from Penzance in a time of 7 hours and 10 minutes.

Next over the line was the women’s solo winner, Sarah Morwood of the Bere Alston Trekkers, who broke the women’s course record with her time of 7 hours 28 minutes, previously set by Isobel Wykes last year with a time of 7 hours 34 minutes.

There were huge celebrations for the fastest women’s team – comprised of Sophie Grant, Emma Griffiths, Louise Edwards and Trine Scott – who claimed the prize for the fifth year in a row after running the gruelling course in 8 hours 11 minutes. 

The Classic Quarter began in 2007, when chairman of Helston-based holiday lettings agency Classic Cottages Simon Tregoning stood on Lizard Point, looking out towards Land’s End, and wondered whether it would be possible to run there in one go, non-stop.

After deciding that with a lot of training and determination it could be achieved, Simon gathered around 60 other runners to give it a go, and so the Classic Quarter was born.

The event, which is organised by trail running specialists Endurancelife, has grown over the years and this year had a record number of more than 400 runners from the UK and overseas signing up to take part – a 20 per cent increase on 2012. Runners can choose between the full 44 miles, or take part in teams of four each doing an 11 mile leg.

Many of the runners taking part choose to fundraise for the Classic Quarter’s nominated charity, Cornwall Hospice Care, and to date more than £30,000 has been donated to the charity through the event.

Simon Tregoning, founder of the Classic Quarter said: “Cornwall Hospice Care is a charity I am very proud to support, after the excellent care St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle provided to my father. I am really pleased that the Classic Quarter has turned into an ongoing fundraising event for the charity, and continues to attract more entrants each year – I hope it will continue long after I have hung up my own running shoes!”

James Barker from Endurancelife added: “This year’s participants faced an even bigger challenge than usual after being absolutely soaked for a couple of hours before the weather changed and they were scorched for the remainder of the race. The Classic Quarter has grown at a fantastic rate over the past seven years and is now firmly established as one of the most popular ultra trail running events in the country. As well as being a truly challenging trail, the stunning views and scenery it takes in around the Cornish coast can’t be beaten. I’d like to congratulate all of this year’s runners, and hope that many of them will return for the Classic Quarter in 2014.”

Endurancelife is also the organiser of the Ultra Trail South West, a 100-mile point to point running event which uses a new section of the South West Coast Path each year. This year the event is taking place from Polruan to Watergate Bay, from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 June. 

For more information about the Classic Quarter, to see the full list of this year’s results and to find out more about the Ultra Trail South West, visit www.endurancelife.com.