The Stoop

The wintery weather did little to deter the 13 Todmorden Harriers who trekked to Penistone Country Park near Haworth for The Stoop fell race on Sunday. With the race route adjusted for safety reasons to the old course, the 200 strong field of runners were still faced with blizzards and icy conditions during the 5 mile out and back race to the Oxenhope Stoop boundary stone.


Young Harrier Sean Carey lived with the early pace set by 6-time winner Rob Hope and 10-time winner Ian Holmes on the way out, but current British Champion Hope ploughed through the snow on the return to take the glory with his 7th victory in a time of 30:50, just 3 seconds ahead of a fast finishing Holmes. Sean finished the day in 6th place, taking the under18 prize with ease.

Sean Pickard was the next Harrier to finish in 40:21 followed by Simon Galloway and Paul Cotton. Clive ‘Spiderman’ Greatorex had no problem scaling the gate hurdle at the finish and was pursued in by Andrew Bibby and Richard Butterwick, with Phil Hodgson and Dan Taylor following in quick succession.

A festive looking Chris Preston, nosed ahead of Richard O’Sullivan at the finish, and was the first of three Todmorden ladies in 45:34, ahead of Karen Gray and Louise Abdy.



The Hot Toddy road race takes place at 11am on Sunday 27th December 2009, with a 1 mile fun run starting at 10:30am. Whilst the course is unchanged, Todmorden Working Men’s Social Club on Halifax Road has stepped in to host registration on the day. The race always attracts a good turnout of runners, of all abilities, to the 5.8mile route.

After the race all finishers, aged over 18, will receive a free ‘hot toddy’ at the Club, where runners and spectators are welcome for the prize giving ceremony.