MOUNT'S Bay Harriers hosted the third St Michael's Mount remembrance run in aid of the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal on Sunday.

When the organisers first arrived to set up registration the sea was just off high tide and the start line under water.

Luckily, the race didn't start until 11.02am and so the tide had time to start going out.

There were 37 pre-entries with the same amount entering on the day. With seven entrants withdrawing 67 competitors took to the start line.

When the whistle was blown for the two-minutes' silence to start, the competitors were spread across the beach. An air horn was blown to start the race and the mass of athletes dressed in red headed off into the distance.

The runners had to run the length of the beach, as far as the tide would allow, crossing rivers and climbing outlet pipes, contending with soft sand, shingle and seaweed.

The turnaround point was the wooden bridge near Penzance Station – a distance of approximately two miles. A nice brisk head wind made life a bit more difficult for the runners, who then had to re-trace their steps back to the finish line.

Reversed

Out in front for most of the way was James Waldie of Cornwall AC and hot on his tail was Mike Robinson of Mount's Bay Harriers, but by the time they crossed the finish line roles had been reversed, with Mike winning in 27m34s, eight seconds ahead of James in 27m42s.

In third place, was James Trubridge, finishing in 29m11s, a minute and a half behind Mike and James.

In the women's race, Jenny Almey of Cornwall AC finished 14th overall and first female in 35m17s. Second, was Mount's Bay Harrier Wendy Scott in 37:12, with Janet Ritchie of Carn Runners third in 37:32.

The event was organised to support the Poppy Appeal and all runners had a poppy pinned to their number. The majority also wore an item of red ranging from T-shirts and shorts to Santa Claus hats, Union Jack shorts and funny outfits.

Mount's Bay Harriers thank to all the local clubs that supported this event: Cornwall AC, Newquay RR, Truro RC, Carn Runners, Falmouth RR, WRN and Tri Logic, who brought with them their support team who had cycled over to come and watch.

Mounts Bay Sailing Club kindly hosted the registration in their clubhouse and provided tea, coffee and cakes.

● Photos are also available online at www.slamshots.com