Running the Beast: A Bodmin Half Marathon Experience
- Barbara Brittain
- 1 minute ago
- 3 min read
Middle and Right: Juliet and Barbara Images courtesy of Bodmin & District Camera Club
Barbara tells a story of running Bodmin's half - "Beastie McBeastRace The Beastly Half".
It all began with a simple introduction. Juliet and I met at Time Together friendship group in Shire House Suite, Bodmin. Having recently joined Bodmin Way’s Parish Nursing team, Juliet will be working across the villages surrounding the town as well as with the Time Together group.
With Revd Paul Holley making the introductions, conversation quickly turned to a shared connection — Bodmin’s annual marathon. Paul mentioned my involvement with the race at its conception, through my planning role with Bodmin Way’s walking routes, on which the marathon is based. Juliet, in turn, spoke about completing the half marathon the previous year.
A few weeks later, on 6 January, Juliet set me a challenge via email:
“I think your New Year's resolution should be to train up and do the Beastie half with me.”
Taking on the Challenge
Her suggestion reignited something in me — a desire to run again. Over the following three months, I built up my mileage, gradually finding rhythm and confidence. Before long, I entered the race and secured my place in the half marathon.
Race Day Energy
Race day arrived with anticipation in the air. Juliet and I met at the start line, where she quickly settled into a strong pace. I ran at my own speed, soaking in the experience.
It was, quite simply, thrilling.
The route offered more than just a physical challenge — it revealed the quiet beauty of Bodmin and its surroundings. Just after passing the beacon’s monument, the panoramic views are breathtaking. One runner nearby exclaimed:
“I didn’t realise Bodmin is so beautiful!”
Later on another runner said:
“It’s a great time of year to do this marathon. The scenery is stunning.”
The sense of camaraderie along the route was just as memorable. I found myself chatting with fellow runners, each with their own story. One shared how they had met a woman from Wales during last year’s race — someone they still run with today.
Left: Juliet with other members of Truro Running Club
Middle: Barbara with hands waving Image courtesy of Marshals from Equally Abled
Right: Barbara on the home straight Image courtesy of Marshal Damian
Moments That Made the Race
There were countless highlights along the way.
Arriving at the National Trust estate at Lanhydrock brought runners face-to-face with the infamous “Beast of Bodmin,” creating a little extra running speed!
Aid stations, offering refreshing slices of watermelon, chunks of pineapple, and a variety of sweet and savoury snacks — were all very welcome.
As runners passed through Milltown, music blared, bunting waved and marshal cheered loudly, creating a surge of energy that carried many of us forward.
At one point, just after passing a sign propped up in a wheelbarrow announcing “1.2 miles to go” a farmer appeared seemingly out of nowhere. In a strong Cornish accent, he called out encouragement: “It’s all downhill from here!”
A Perfect Finish
Crossing the finish line brought a deep sense of achievement. The event was impeccably organised — a true credit to those behind it.
Afterwards, runners gathered inside St Petroc’s Church for well-earned rest and refreshments. It was a fitting end to a memorable day: a chance to reflect, recover, and share stories with others who had taken on the challenge.
Reflections
What began as a casual conversation turned into a meaningful journey — one of renewed motivation, community, and accomplishment.
The Bodmin half marathon isn’t just a race. It’s an experience shaped by people, place, and shared effort. And for me, it was a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a simple challenge from a friend to set something extraordinary in motion.
Left: Juliet entering the race funnel finish in good time Image courtesy of Bodmin & District Camera Club
Middle: Barbara at the finish Image courtesy of Bodmin & District Camera Club
Right: Barbara in St Petroc's Church at the end of the race Image courtesy of Natasha
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