Ilkley Moor Fell Race

Several Todmorden Harriers braved snowy and icy conditions at the Ilkley Moor Fell Race on Sunday. Immaculately organised by Ilkley Harriers, the circular 5 mile route features 1260 feet of ascent and an early morning fall of wet snow added to the difficult reputation of the race.

Starting from Wells Road, the runners climbed up past the Cow and Calf Rocks to the Pancake Stone. A treacherously steep descent followed with numerous fallers sliding down on the compacted snow that at times bore a stronger resemblance to an Olympic bobsleigh track than a fell race. After a bridge crossing of Backstone Beck the height lost was soon regained with a long climb back up the other side of the beck. A relatively flat section took the field across to a further steep ascent to the Badger Stone at the highest point of the race, where poor visibility led several runners astray. The final long precarious descent then took the runners to the welcome sight of the finish.

Pudsey and Bramley’s Graham Pearce was in class of his own in the 224 strong field and completed the course in a respectable 39:52, over 2 minutes ahead of his nearest rival. Paul Brannigan was the first Todmorden Harrier in 26th position, half a minute ahead of 28th placed Paul Hobbs, with Dave Collins not far behind in 33rd.

Earlier Jack Crummet was the sole Todmorden representative in the junior races, where he finished 5th – and 1st non-Ilkley runner - in the U12 race.

Todmorden Results: 26 Paul Brannigan 47:42; 28 Paul Hobbs 48:10; 33 Dave Collins 48:45; 42 Steve Brandwood 50:49; 53 Clive Greatorex 53:02; 122 Richard Butterwick 1:00:52; 190 Peter Ehrhardt 1:11:53.