Luke Mabbott, who found fame on the sixth season of popular television show Love Island, completed his first marathon event today (October 20, 2024) by crossing the finish line at the Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon.
Luke, who was supported from the side lines by fellow Love Islander and fiancée Lucie Donlan, only decided to enter the event two weeks ago following a text from a friend.
Luke said: “This is my first ever marathon and it was something else! The event itself is hard and I didn’t really expect it – hills, mud – there’s everything. It’s a challenge but I think it’s good when you get to the end. It’s an achievement!
“I’m glad I did it. I’ve always wanted to do one and it’s been on the bucket list for a while. Go hard or go home! I think I’ve started with the hardest one and anything from now is easier.”
For the second consecutive year, the fastest man in the Eden Project Marathon was Steve Reynolds from Truro, who finished with a time of 03:02:24.
Steve, who runs with Truro Running Club, said: “I feel really good. This is the third time I’ve run this marathon and I’ve always enjoyed it. I’m chuffed to bits to have won it again for the second year in a row.
“The conditions were more challenging today, especially coming through the mud, which was like quicksand, but to be expected with last night’s weather. I’d love to have a go again next year. I’ll be another year older, but I’ll always try my best!”
In second place was Luke Hilliard, who runs with Elswick Harriers, with a time of 03:04:57. Third place went to Fergal Stephenson, who is unaffiliated and finished with a time of 03:21:57.
The fastest woman in the Eden Project Marathon was Emily Harrison who is unaffiliated and finished with a time of 03:31:11. She was followed by Helen Knight with a time of 03:42:47. Helen runs with CLC Striders. The third fastest woman was Hannah Haugvik who is unaffiliated and finished with a time of 04:03:48.
In the Eden Project Half Marathon, the first man across the finish line was Jacob Landers who runs with Tamar Trotters and finished with a time of 01:16:19. Second place went to Kenny Gibson with a time of 01:24:22. Kenny runs with Cornwall Athletic Club. Coming in third was James Pugsley who runs with Bideford Amateur Athletic Club with a time of 01:27:20.
The fastest female in the half marathon was Louise Mitchell with a time of 01:32:24. Louise runs with Truro Running Club. The second woman across the finish line was Lauren Knox who runs with Storm Plymouth, with a time of 01:36:56. The third fastest female was Katie Beecher with a time of and runs with 01:39:40 Les Croupiers Running Club.
This was the 14th year of the event, which is jointly organised by the Eden Project and St Austell Running Club.
More than 1,500 runners signed up to take part in this year’s event – the highest number of entries since 2018 – with participants descending on the Eden Project from across the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany and Switzerland.
The event saw participants taking on the challenge of multi-terrain courses through spectacular Cornish landscapes before crossing the finish line in front of the Eden Project’s world-famous Biomes.
After receiving their themed medals, participants were then able to enjoy a well-earned beer, courtesy of St Austell Brewery, and a pasty.
Simon Townsend, the Eden Project’s General Manager, said: “Despite the mixed weather conditions, the atmosphere today has once again been energised and vibrant. It has been so fantastic to witness everyone enjoying themselves and supporting one another as they cross the finish line.
“It’s been great to see such huge numbers taking part and is a testament to the popularity of this event. Our thanks, as always go out to St Austell Running Club, without whom the event would not be possible. A huge congratulations to everyone who has taken part today.”
Race Director of the Eden Marathon and Half Marathon Doug Alsop said: “I’d like to extend huge congratulations to everyone who braved the weather and took part in this year's event. It has been another amazing day and it's been wonderful to have so many people join us here.
“Thanks to everyone who helps make this event the great day it is, including our fantastic volunteers and Cornwall Search and Rescue. We’re already looking forward to seeing you all again next year.”
The Marathon and Half Marathon will return next year with booking details being announced soon.
