Super Fit Complete Classic Quarter
More than 100 runners left Lizard Point early on 28 June to tackle the 44 mile ultra marathon, The Classic Quarter, along the coastal footpath to Land’s End, all in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care.
Originally the idea of Simon Tregoning, Managing Director of Classic Cottages, the 44 mile race was inspired by the care Simon’s father received during his final days at St Julia’s in Hayle. The race was developed with Endurance Life as a way of providing a lasting legacy of funds to the charity, rather than a one off donation.
The challenge was brutally simple… to run, between dawn and dusk, from the southern most, to the western most points of England, along the legendary South West Coastal Path. That translates to running a quarter of the compass from Lizard Point, to Lands End.
Competition was tough with endurance athletes travelling down to Cornwall from al over the UK to take part. The first to cross the line was Pete Roper from Dorset who completed the epic marathon in just seven hours 17 minutes. He was followed soon after by Mike Feighan in second and Bernard Saupe in third.
Flying the flag for the women was Janye Angilly from Hayle who came in at eight hours and one minute. Claire Akin-Smith took second and Henrietta Timms came in third.
The very first runners to cross the line were the mixed relay team. Four runners each took on an 11 mile stretch of the course and finished at Land’s End just six hours and 46 minutes after leaving Lizard Point.
Last year the man who conceived the idea of the Classic Quarter ran solo, finishing in just under 11 hours. Determined to beat his time this year Simon Tregoning put in extra training and spurred on for the final leg by his way by wife Shelly, who completed the race herself as part of an all female relay team in eight hours 30 minutes, Simon crossed the finish line in nine hours and 55 minutes. When asked how he felt about completing the race in under ten hours Mr Tregoning said: “I’m delighted and exhausted. 44 miles, 44 years of age, that’s it!”
All money raised through sponsorship will be donated to Cornwall Hospice Care. If you’d like to donate to Cornwall Hospice Care you can still do so online by visiting: www.justgiving.com/classicquarterultramarathon
