A Dartmouth businesswoman has finished second in the Eden Project Marathon after battling through a gruelling final 10 miles of the race.

Charlie Ramsdale secured the women’s runner-up spot in the annual event, with a finishing time of three hours, 42 minutes and 20 seconds.

The race took place on a challenging route through the Cornish countryside, finishing beneath the Eden Project’s iconic biomes.

Charlie, who co-owns the Cellar Door catering company, had previously competed in the marathon in 2018 and 2019, and said the race marked a return to competitive running.

“Balancing our business, raising our son, and a major house renovation over the last eight years has made consistent training difficult for me, but I have found a few weeks to run recently, and Eden seemed like the perfect starting point for racing again,” Charlie said.

Despite favourable weather conditions, the race proved physically demanding.

“The conditions on the day were perfect, cold and bright with a little breeze; however, my hips felt tight from the start after working a 12-hour day on the Saturday, and sadly I didn’t feel comfortable at any point in the race,” Charlie said.

“The last 10 miles were particularly tough, but I was able to draw on years of experience to keep pushing on in second place, and the descent to the finish at the foot of the biomes was a very welcome sight.”

The runner also praised the support along the route and the opportunity for spectators to visit the Eden Project free of charge on race day.

“I would highly recommend the race to runners of all levels; the support throughout is incredible, the route is spectacular, when you remember to look, and there is free entry into the Eden Project for all your supporters on the day,” Charlie said.

Charlie was beaten only by 19-year-old Annie Wisely, from Plymouth, who won her first marathon in three hours, 24 minutes and 14 seconds.

Asked what had inspired her to enter, Annie said: “I just like trail running, so I thought it would be nice! And I like Cornwall, so I thought it would be good. I’ve never done a marathon before – it was amazing.”

The event marked 16 years of the Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon, which brings runners to Cornwall to tackle the demanding course before finishing at the attraction’s biomes.

The Eden Project is also celebrating 25 years as a charity and global garden destination this year.

Tracey Smith, the Eden Project’s Commercial Manager, has organised the event since it began. She said the race continued to showcase the determination of participants, whether they were chasing personal bests, raising money for charity or taking on the challenge for themselves.

Chris Baggot, who is co-race Director with Armando Vieira, said: “The course remains one of the toughest and most rewarding in the country, and it's always inspiring to see runners of all ages and abilities taking on the challenge.

“Congratulations to everyone who participated.”

Nearly 1,200 runners registered for this year's marathon and half-marathon event, each receiving a medal, a well-earned Cornish pasty and a beer courtesy of St Austell Brewery.

The next Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 17, 2027, with entries expected to open in spring.