Many Todmorden Harriers turned out to assist race organiser Clive Greatorex for the Crow Hill fell race at Mytholmroyd last Tuesday. With no let up in the heavy rain all evening it was probably a more attractive proposition to be running rather than marshalling the course.
The 5 mile race which is a favourite with many runners climbs up from Mytholmroyd to Crow Hill, with a total ascent of 1000 feet, before returning to the finish with a steep descent back through the woods.
It was no surprise that local runners excelled in the increasingly all too common poor conditions for this summer, with Calder Valley’s Karl Grey eventually triumphing over Todmorden’s Chris Smale.
Harriers’ Chairman Mandy Goth, who is more usually seen competing in long and ultra races, completed the short course in 57th place with Dave O’Neill hot on her heels in 58th.
Afterwards at race HQ in Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Clive thanked all the helpers.
The following night a pair of Harriers took part in Rossendale Harrier’s Golf Ball fell race, named after the distinctive landmark structure passed on route. The 140 runners were led in by Andy Buttery from the host club. Simon Galloway had a strong run for Todmorden to finish in 44th place with Jeremy Godden in 82nd.
With just one race to go in the English Fell Running Championships the Todmorden club are once again well placed in several categories and may yet have their best showing. The Ladies team lie in 4th place, with some good individual standings, including Ali Richards in 23rd position overall and Chris Preston in 36th. Jane Leonard is currently in 3rd place in the Ladies V50 category.
Chris Smale is also holding 3rd place in the men’s V40 class. The men’s V50 team are also having a good season and are currently ranked in 6th place.
This year’s Championships will close with a short steep race at Dufton at the end of this month.
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