This is Bob Hayward & Nick Baldock on the first day on the run from Land’s End to John O’Groats, yoh! And what a day it has been.

Marie, Arthur and Podge travelled down Friday night for a short break at a local camp site, (Tregiffian Farm — very nice people with facilities for the disabled). They also hope to take in a bit of fishing after having started the run off.

Julie & Amanda (Bob's wife & youngest princess) also came down in the motor home (which Elite Motorhomes kindly supplied at a very good discount — and boy what a motorhome, shower, fridge, microwave, air conditioning, cd player and three double beds).

Podge woke Arthur & Marie up at 3am, he was so excited about the forthcoming day and met up with them at 5.30am. Julie & Amanda rose from their nice cosy 4 star hotel beds while Nick, Brian & Bob dragged themselves from the lush confines of the motor home into the warm humid still Cornish air, the mist carried inshore by a gentle Atlantic breeze. Tea all round and they were ready for the off!

5.55 am and everyone congregated by the sign post for the typical corny photograph. 6am and Podge rasied his hand for a ready steady GO!

The first mile is a gentle incline and they took an opportunity about 1/2 mile out to turn back for a last look at Land’s End, the Altantic looking grey and foreboding, the small Cornish village waiting quietly in hope of another day of brisk tourism — including Podge's & Bob's family — they had no doubt returned to the motorhome for more tea and toast!

The first leg of the run took them to Penzance (actually the Safeway car park just outside) and was a smooth steady jog of 11.6 miles in 2 hours — quite good considering the manic day before and the four hours sleep they had on Saturday night. Arthur, Marie and Podge plus Julie, Amanda and Brian were all there to greet them, tea and toast at the ready, encouraging words and a quick rub down (not all at once) then the Page family departed in their Peaugot 309 and Julie & Amanda were dropped off at the railway station to make their own way home to Swindon.

The sun broke through the early morning mist while they recharged their batteries and then the second leg commenced on the dual carriageway (A30) to Hayle our next target.

Not far out from Penzance the road returns to a single carriageway and as they coasted along the roadside path they were pulled up by a Police car with its blue lights flashing brightly against the glorious backdrop of St Micheal's Mount. — “Excuse me gentlemen, we’ve had reports of two joggers running on the wrong side of the A30 dual carriageway, was that you?” After explaining the purpose of the run, the road sense they were using and the discussions their logistics person (Eileen) had had some time back with the Police Authorities, he let them go ... He wished them well and whipped his car around — hopefully to chase down the people who made the complaint!

The Cornish hills took their toll on their legs and spirit so by the time they reached Redruth (27 miles) they telephoned Brian on their mobiles and called it a day!

Little Chef at Hayle & Redruth have been brilliant, the people so keen to help and understand what it is all about. Brian’s been out selling tickets between his duties as their driver — which he has performed admirably!

So Redruth today — tomorrow Bodmin or pretty close ( Little Chef at Higher Town)

Enjoy the pictures and God Bless you — especially if you are selling tickets or promoting this story!

Bob, Nick & Brian