West Cornwall to celebrate alternative St. Piran’s Day festivities
January 07th, 2016
A novel event will be happening in Cornwall this March all within a short distance of our beautiful cottages in Cornwall.
The Cousin Jack Classic Coast Run will take place from 10am-4pm on March 5th and will stretch from Cape Cornwall to The Island in St. Ives, in order to honour and pay tribute to Cornish ancestors.
Cornish emigration happened for a variety of reasons, but the main reasons were for economic purposes due to the lack of jobs in the 18th and 19th centuries. This was the time Cornish people or “Cousin Jacks” migrated to various parts of the world in search of a better life, it’s estimated that around 250,000 Cornish men migrated between 1861 and 1901.
The Cousin Jack Classic Coast run will cover the 17 mile stretch between St Ives and St Just, which offer untouched and beautiful natural scenery from the lush green grasses that stretch to the water’s edge to the imposing 300 foot cliffs that jut out from this remarkable coastline.
It’s also home to the UK’s first ‘Environmentally Sensitive Areas’ where annual grant aid allows participating farmers to work the land traditionally using ancient field systems to define a small strip of land between the sea.
Also along the route you will pass the world famous mines of Crowns and Wheal Owles, Geevor Tin Mine, before grazing past Pendeen lighthouse.
You’ll know when the race is near its end when you spot the Tate Gallery, from there you make your way onto the golden sands of Porthmeor beach where the black and white flag of St Piran will wave you over the finish line.
Once you have completed this exciting route you will presented with a Cornish medal and traditional local cider from St Ives before the contestants head for somewhere warm to recharge and reflect on the Cousin Jack run.
Due to the terrain of the route, sensible footwear and clothing is advised, as well as any liquids or energy gels as this is out of season, so refreshment stops may be limited along the route. Waterproof maps will be given out to help you navigate certain parts of the trail and a first aider will be available if any problems occur.
This is a social run, and not an organised running race so you will need to sign a disclaimer to sign in and out. There is also a small donation of £5 that goes towards St Erth Charity Committee, who raise money to supply Christmas Lights to the village each year.
So try something different this year whilst taking in the beautiful scenery that Cornwall has become famous for.
For more information you can check their Facebook event page here.