I don't think I could praise this race or the organisers (Dave of Bys Vyken Events) highly enough. It is an entirely unique event that showcases the beautiful ruggedness of the Cornish coastline and the mining heritage of the local area perfectly. It is NOT an event to be taken lightly and is not your typical 'trail race' - this is off-road, muddy paths, clambering over rocks, slowing to a crawl to avoid breaking your neck territory... with a half-mile of beach and a steep uphill to finish! There are cut-off times to meet, but these are reasonable to meet. Certain sections are incredibly remote, but the organisers have worked hard to ensure the checkpoints are sensibly placed and the volunteers were incredibly supportive with water, snacks and big smiles to keep you going. You need to be reasonably self-sufficient (a thorough kit list is provided in advance and safety-checked on the day), and due to the nature of the course, you spend a lot of time running on your own. For the price of the event, I feel that you get a lot for your money, including a stunning medal along with cider/beer and a pasty at the finish! (The Cornish girl in me was very happy!) However, it is the unique landscape, and local, friendly culture of this race that was a winner in my eyes. Highly recommended!

This race along one of the most technical parts of the Uk coastline does the area justic! Brilliantly organised by friendly people. The weather certainly added to the adventure. This will remain one of my top 5 races of all times due to the seneray and challenge.

Some confidence is needed in terms of navigation. Just keep the sea on your left! 

This is a tough and brutal section of the South West Coast Path but it is breathtakingly beautiful. The race is very well organised and this year there were more marshalls enroute who were amazingly encouraging.

The finish is a welcome sight, the pasty was devoured instantly and I was lucky enough to receive a spot prize.

Definately on the race calendar for next year 

After an early start in Launceston, the three of us Launceston Road Runners made our way down to Cape Cornwall for the start of the Cousin Jack Classic II. 

 

Fuelled with large Costa Coffees, we got our kit together at the start line, in nervous anticipation, whilst the wind picked up around us, and the clouds loomed!

 

Having run the Pilgrimage from Lelant to Marizion in December, myself and Russ were confident that this would be another brilliantly organised run by Bys Vyken Events. We were proved correct as we queued up efficiently for our race packs to be checked, and for our numbers to be provided.

 

In no time, we were stood at the start line, at the bottom of the hill at Cape Cornwall. As the countdown and hooter went off, there was a real buzz in the air; it was great to see so many trail runners, of all different shapes and sizes, excited about the 17.4 miles of coastal trail ahead of them.

 

Having run the coastal path here a few times before, the path and route was relatively straight forward. This was made even easier for us with the obvious Bys Vyken, Cornish Flag signage and amusing “Refuel Dreckly” notices, depicting a classic Cornish bloke with a jug of cider!

 

The first five miles or so of the race were over relatively easy-going, but undulating trail, however the weather was pretty dark and miserable. At this point the trail was sandy, so mud and slipping wasn’t too much of a problem for us.

 

After the Levant mines, the trails became rocky and boggy, however good signage and marshalling again kept us on track. Marshalls also provided much-needed jelly babies and salted peanuts!

 

The weather eventually turned, and although we hadn’t really got wet up until now, the dark, ominous looking skies, suddenly cleared, and a bright blue sky and glimmer of sunshine shone through! This sun would stay with us until the end of the run!

 

There was a strong wind in the exposed places along the clifftops, and the section near Zennor proved tough going; with hiking these stretches the only option!

 

Eventually St Ives came into view, and a tarmac section skirting around the cliffs took us out of our trail running comfort zone, before we were tested as we trudged across the beach to The Island, and St Nicholas Chapel. We could see cheery spectators waving from the top of the hill, and we made our way around the island and up the hill to the finish, where a cheery-as-ever Race Director, Dave, welcomed runners home with an impressive medal and a handshake.

 

Having sheltered from the wind, we were handed a small goody bag of sweets, Oreos and a drink, before being shown to the back of a van, packed to the roof with much-needed pasties to refuel! We were also offered a healthy jug of cider, as hinted at by the earlier signage!

 

Following getting changed and making our way out of St Ives (now in full sunshine), we ended the day where it had all kicked off… in Costa, with a large cuppa!

 

Thanks Dave and the crew for a brilliant race, along a stunning section of coastline! We are already looking forward to the next run!