Newquay Carnival Mile Race to return after more than 30 years

A popular road race linked to Newquay Carnival is set to return this weekend for the first time in more than 30 years.

The Newquay Carnival Mile Race will take place at 5.55pm on Saturday 4 July, shortly before the main Newquay Carnival procession.

The one-mile race will start outside The Fort Inn on Fore Street and finish on the Barrowfields.

Organisers say the event was last held in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when it regularly attracted hundreds of runners and large crowds through the town centre.

The revived race is open to runners of all abilities, although organisers say entries are limited and must be booked in advance. There will be no entries available on the day.

All roads along the route will be closed to traffic during the event.

Newquay Road Runners has helped design the route and organise the logistics for the race.

Paul Wright, lead coach for the club, said the original event regularly attracted around 300 runners and created a strong atmosphere in the town.

He said the race previously started near the Huer's Hut and finished by the Great Western Hotel, with crowds “three or four deep” lining the streets.

Mr Wright hopes the return of the event would encourage people to reminisce and inspire some former runners to take part once again.

Every finisher will receive a medal, while perpetual trophies will be awarded to the first male and female runners across the line.

Organisers say all entry fees will go towards the Newquay Lions Club Community Fund, which supports local good causes and future community events.

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