Race report: Brown Willy 7 - Cornwall, January 1, 2012
When Helen Jordan accepted Gary Caunter’s marriage proposal on the summit of the highest hill in Cornwall, on New Year’s Day, it was the icing on the cake for another brilliant Brown Willy Run, in which Gary and Helen were running. They celebrated with a bottle of bubbly supplied by Truro Running Club, who hosted the annual 7 mile moorland charity run, which takes in some very testing terrain between Jamaica Inn and Brown Willy. This year 315 people registered at Jamaica Inn, although an informal count on the moor tallied 327 runners.
The first man home was Dan Nash, from the moorland village of Minions, a member of East Cornwall Harriers, in an incredible time of 48:02. Dan is no stranger to the event. A few years back, as a young boy, he beat all but a handful of top quality runners in his debut.
Second man home was Dan Rodgers, of Callington, in 51:16, a superb time, given the very boggy and slippery conditions, yet still over 3 minutes behind Dan Nash. Third home was another Dan, Daniel Hooper, all the way from Carmarthenshire, in Wales, in a time of 53:21.
The first lady home was Isobel Wykes, from Probus, in a very fast 58:39. She is a member of Truro Running Club, and a rising star on the Cornwall running scene. Although more accustomed to road running, Isobel dealt superbly with the very challenging muddy conditions. Isobel was followed by Clare Donovan, who turned in a brave run.
The Brown Willy Run started many years ago, as a bunch of friends blowing away the New Year’s Eve cobwebs, under the guidance of Frank Squibb, to whom the event owes an immense debt of gratitude. It’s now grown to over 300 runners, but it remains an informal event, where like minded people can enjoy a friendly run in beautiful surroundings, welcoming the New Year in with the same spirit as Frank and his friends intended.
Thanks also go to the landowners and tenant farmers, and the staff and management of Jamaica Inn, without whose generous spirit, the event could not take place.
This year, well over £800.00 was raised, to be divided between Cornwall Hospice Care, and the Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, who turn out in force to ensure our safety every year, and always perform to the highest standards of professionalism, and always with a friendly smile.
Thanks also to the gallant volunteers who man registration and marshal the event, with such willingness.
