Blog. St Ewe Egg and Spoon Race - How it Went!

On Monday 3^rd July, St Ewe Free Range Eggs began their five day, 300 mile walk across Cornwall’s coastlines raising funds for Hospitality Action and Cornwall Air Ambulance. Two fantastic teams, The Great Eggsplorers and Team Eggstreme, took on a route each: the North Coastal path and the South Coastal path, respectively, in an attempt to complete a Guinness World Record for the Longest Egg and Spoon Race.

This novel idea was thought up by Nikki Owen from St Ewe Eggs to raise money to support the hospitality and tourism industries following the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to bring together communities following what Nikki calls a “gloomy three years”.

We caught up with walkers Vincent Cox (VC), Nikki Owen (NO), Iain Wilton (IW), Neil Mclaren-Dobbie (NMD), Kate Brown (KB), Jolie Kendall (JK) and Paulo Da Clara (PDC) to hear how it went:

Tell us how the Egg & Spoon race went

NO: Well, we got to the finish line with 2 eggs in one piece – can’t say the same for the team though! Blisters on blisters, creaking knees, scratched arms... you name it! But each and every person that crossed that finish line at a very blustery Land’s End was beaming from ear-to-ear!

What was your favourite part of the walk?

VC: The recognition we received from well-wishers during the walk (not to mention the donations). It was very uplifting and energising.

NO: In all honesty – all of it! Being with the team, meeting new people, bringing together the community, the support, the free food, the charity work, being part of a Guinness World Record Title attempt and of course the breathtaking scenery!

IW: Favourite part probably ties in the most demanding one due to the weather conditions on the leg (Tintagel to Port Isaac).

NMD: Prussia Cove – Mousehole…. for me an undiscovered and beautiful part of the Cornish countryside.

JK: Getting to the end and crossing the finish line as a team. For me it was the pinnacle, but also a very sad moment, as we all knew it was about to come to an end. The joining of arms across the finish line really demonstrated that we were a team – we start together and finish together! Seeing the South team cross the line was also a very moving moment. It was great to see Ross and John complete something they have both worked so hard for.

KB: I loved the camaraderie all along the routes with different team members, and particularly loved when the South team crossed the final line and all the team there rushed in to greet them and congratulate them for the epic achievement. They persevered to the end, even with the delays and late finish and it was amazing to be part of this.   

PDC: I found the paths between Padstow to Trevone and Fistral Beach to Perranporth astonishing sceneries.  Definitely something to do again. Cornwall is beautiful even with rain.

What motivated you to sign up and be part of the challenge?

VC: The opportunity to be part of something memorable and unique.  I have not met a world record holder in my life to date.  The support we are giving to the charities is an unquestionable drive too.

IW: Being part of a team raising money for 2 amazing charities was a big incentive; plus, I wanted to challenge myself outside of my own comfort zone and it’s not every day you get an opportunity to be part of a Guinness World Record attempt!

NMD: A great opportunity at the start of induction to meet colleagues across teams in a fun and social setting all working together to achieve a common goal.

KB: As a family business, it’s all about supporting each other to achieve what we set out to do and with such a small team of us. It was so lovely to do something really positive and raise awareness for 2 amazing charities.   

JK: I was a fairly new member of the flock when the practice walks started, and I thought it would be a good way to get stuck in with the team. The walks were challenging and really pushed me physically, but everyone was really supportive, and that motivated me to be a part of this really great team and do something for a brilliant cause!

PDC: It was my third participation in charities since I've worked for St Ewe, and it has been a great privilege and an immense honour be part of these charities’ projects. My small contribution in the Egg & Spoon Race helping save lives is beyond any prize or medal. That’s why the Egg & Spoon Race was indeed more challenge and therefore more rewarding.

What kept you going when it got tough?

VC: The fear of being left behind!

NO: The dedication, determination, and love for the challenge by the team was astounding. Many of us trained together through all kinds of weather conditions, terrains, and gradients; no matter how tough it got (and boy did it get tough), we kept each other laughing and smiling – sometimes that all you can do!

IW: The determination, belief, camaraderie and support from everyone kept me going.

NMD: Focussing on the positive impact for 2 great causes and the consistent motivation of colleagues…'we’re almost at the top.'!

KB: I didn’t have it nearly as tough as other team members, so it was about helping to encourage and support those that were doing an amazing task to walk such an epic distance.

JK: Thinking of Ross and John doing the whole of the South Coast really motivated me. If they can carry on after injuries and continue to walk 30+ miles a day, then I can do my 4 shorter legs. They really were role models for everyone.

PDC: I like to think that I am resilient enough for any task or project but seeing my colleagues John and Ross on the finish line after completing the full South Coast is beyond inspirational.

How can people continue to support you now the walk itself is complete?

We will continue to fundraise throughout July so if people would like to donate they can head to the website where there is a link to the donation page.

From everyone at Hospitality Action, we want to share our heartfelt gratitude for all those who are involved with the Egg and Spoon Race, and especially those who took on walking the many, many miles. 

If you'd like to show your support to the teams who took on this physically and mentally challenging walk, we urge you to make their blisters, aches, pains and injuries all worth while by donating today by clicking here.

Photography by https://www.tinandcopper.co.uk/.