LOCAL runners Jon Kappes and Stephen Hutchinson both secured top-three finishes in their respective age groups at the An Res Hellys race in Helston on Sunday, April 6.
Jon, along with fellow Launceston Road Runners Mike Gilbert and Matt Pickard made the long west to tackle a 10-mile multi-terrain run starting and finishing in the town.
The route takes runners through the picturesque National Trust Penrose Estate and is the fifth race in the Cornwall Grand Prix Road Racing Series.
Jon’s time of 1:08:50 was enough for an impressive third in the M55-59 section, while Mike and Matt were home in times of 1:19:23 and 1:25:56 respectively.
Stephen Hutchinson was the sole Bude RATs representative and was done in 1:30:52 for second in the M70-74 age group.
Gecko Gathering at Roadford Lake offered three distances to choose from on Saturday, April 5, which attracted three Launceston Road Runners.
Gabby Lyons did one 6K lap in 38:15, while Peter McAughey completed his 11K in 53:09.
Joe Bailey fancied a long half and was home and hosed in 2:32:23.
Powderham Castle in Exeter hosted Power Run on the morning of Saturday, April 5 with competitors having the choice of a ‘Classic’ five-mile run or a ‘Legend’ which consisted of two loops.
Both Ian Grimes (50:40) and Janet Lathom (55:39) took on the Classic and earned third-placed finishes in their respective age groups.
Launceston’s Nick Smith finished the Trilateral 40 on Saturday, April 12.
It consists of 40km of mixed terrain and takes in some iconic Cornish landmarks. It starts at The Rook in Fowey before heading to Gribben Head, along trail, country lanes and coast path, and finally a return to Fowey.
The Tunnel Ten Run, held on Good Friday (April 18), attracted four entrants from Launceston Road Runners.
The Launceston times were as follows: Nick Smith – 53:27; Ian Grimes – 57:02; Janet Lathom – 1:04:10; Joe Thomson – 1:12:02.
Joe was narrowly beaten by his daughter Ailia (1:11:51), who was taking part in her first 10K.
Two Launceston Road Runners – Claire Winfield and Joe Thomson – completed the Newport Marathon in South Wales on Sunday, April 13.
Both were hoping to secure places at the 2026 London Marathon with their performances, which saw Claire finish in 3:54:12.
Joe was just 84 seconds off being under three hours.
The Newport Marathon has been named as one of the fastest 10 marathons in the world and is often targeted by those wanting to gain ‘Good for Age’ entry times for London.
The Tavy 5k takes place on the third Saturday of each month.
It is a fast, flat course starting and finishing on the Tavistock Athletic Club track, and heads out behind Tavistock College and onto The Meadows Park before returning for the finish which includes a full lap of the track.
Three members of Launceston Road Runners took part on April 19 with David Starley winning the race overall in a rapid time of just 16 minutes and 54 seconds.
Jon Kappes’ 19:06 was fast enough for fifth overall, an age category victory (Vet 55 M) and a club age category record, while Jeanette Johnson’s 31:16 was enough for second in the Vet 55 W age group.