The Imerys Clay Country Half-Marathon and Marathon are widely regarded as two of the toughest events in the South West.

Much of the races take in the clay trails and roads normally not open to the public. The routes start with seven miles of nearly continuous climbing in the country lanes and open trails around St Austell.

Although the events normally cross the highest point in mid-Cornwall, this year they were diverted from crossing the top due to the heavy lorry activity around the quarries at the peak.

Thirteen East Cornwall Harriers were among

the 178 runners taking part in the Half-Marathon, which counts as the second race in the Cornwall Multi-Terrain Series.

Ian Littlewood was first home for the Harriers in a superb time of 1.36.31 which earned him 16th place.

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