WHILE runners from West Devon were participating in the London Marathon, others from the area and East Cornwall were enjoying a marathon on a more peaceful location. The Tresco Marathon is the world's smallest marathon venue-wise, set amidst breathtaking views of turquoise seas, silver sanded beaches and exotic plants. The 26.2m course is made up of seven and a half laps run in a figure of eight around a three and a half mile circuit. The harsh inclines en-route are a gruelling test of stamina and have to be tackled seven times. Mill Hill runner Gill Court was one of the 120 plus competitors and was delighted to come home first in her age group, in a time of 4:00:30. She said conditions, unlike the London marathon, were 'perfect'. 'There was a downpour ten minutes before we started, but then the sun shone and it was dry and breezy,' she said. Gill's son, Iain, ran with her. He was originally only intending to run three laps, so was not an official entrant, but ended up completing the entire marathon. As a result, officials named him the 'The Mystery Man' and gave him a medal as well. Gill said it was 'a lovely marathon' with onlookers calling out participants' names as they passed. Her whole family had gone over to the Scilly Isles with her. Former Callington endurance runner Bob Brown won the marathon for the fourth time, in a time of 2:59:29. His win was in spite of an injury which kept him from training and a week before the event he could not run. His time was three minutes better than last year's — he is now looking forward to running across Russia next year. Richard Puddiphatt from Albaston was also due to run in the marathon, but his wife had a baby on the Friday night and he was unable to compete. He contacted the organisers of the marathon so that someone on their reserve list could participate in his place, and they have given him a place in next year's event. GMTV heart-throb Ben Shepherd was also among those taking part. It is hoped the event will have raised in the region of £100,000 for Cystic Fibrosis.