Beacon Beast Marathon & The Beastly Half
Beacon Beast Marathon and The Beastlie Half are multi terrain running events organised by the parishes of Bodmin, Nanstallon, Lanivet, Lanhydrock and Cardinham churches. Both races follow public footpaths and sections of the Bodmin Way, combining local roads and trails.
27 miles with 3000 ft of elevation
14 miles with 2800 ft of elevation
The route passes Lanhydrock National Trust Estate, Redmoor Nature Reserve, glimpses of The Saint's Way and Helman Tor, Beacon Nature Reserve, Cardinham Woods, Lanivet, Nanstallon, Cardinham Village and Bodmin. Runners will encounter stiles, muddy sections and steep wooded climbs in Cardinham Woods. Seasonal sights mentioned include bluebells at Lanhydrock and Lamorick and newborn lambs in nearby fields.
Aid stations are located at local churches, with the Lanhydrock aid station in the main car park. Volunteers come from a range of community groups including playgroups, schools, youth groups, Scouts, church groups and elder community members. Organisers share event proceeds with these groups and report having distributed over £10k after four events.
Signposting uses biodegradable tape, arrows and marshals, and the organisers provide a written route description and a GPX file. The final mile of both races is downhill followed by steps up to St Petroc's church. Finishers receive a bespoke medal, may collect a t shirt if not already collected at registration, and are offered a complimentary drink at the church. Minimum age for entry is 18. Entry fees vary by affiliation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.