Ron Hill 5k | Edale Skyline | Leigh Cross Country | Thieveley Pike

Todmorden Harriers joined almost 400 runners in Littleborough to celebrate the 75th birthday of Dr Ron Hill MBE, with the annual 5k road race that is held in his honour.

Over thirty Harriers took to the hilly course along Rochdale Road, Smithy Bridge Road, along the side of Hollingworth Lake and finishing with a downhill section back into Littleborough.

Nick Barber led the way for Todmorden, finishing in fifth position with a time of 17:04, ahead of Paul Brannigan at 17:33 for 11th place and Martin Stork in 30th place stopping the clock at 18:36.

Sarah Glyde was the first Todmorden woman, collecting the v35 prize with her time of 20:36.  Kath Brierley completed the distance in 22:18 and Mel Blackhurst in 22:36.

Derek Clutterbuck enjoyed a rare race appearance and crossed the line first v80, after a race long battle that saw him claim a 13 second advantage over his nearest rival.

Todmorden results:  5 Nick Barber 17:04; 11 Paul Brannigan 17:33; 30 Martin Stork 18:36; 38 Dan Taylor 19:05; 41 Paul Alexander 19:24; 45 Robert Gray 19:28; 51 Ben Crowther 19:38; 79 Sarah Glyde 20:36; 88 Michael Harper 20:51; 97 Andrew Bibby 21:08; 104 Simon Galloway 21:31; 110 Richard Butterwick 21:34; 135 Kath Brierley 22:18; 138 Kevin Coughlan 22:26; 143 Phil Cook 22:34; 145 Melanie Blackhurst 22:36; 152 Keith Parkinson 22:59; 176 Richard Leonard 23:28; 210 Bev Wright 24:40; 224 Jane Leonard 25:28; 233 Nigel Hanson 25:41; 242 Mandy Goth 25:56; 246 David Leslie 26:02; 248 Julie Wyant 26:06; 258 Ray Poulter 26:28; 263 Andrea Marshall 26:42; 271 Peter Ehrhardt 27:03; 306 David O'Neill 29:00; 346 Derek Clutterbuck 35:26; 349 Ian Stansfield 36:21. 

Steve Bateson's Ron Hill 5k photos...

After being rearranged due to snow drifts on the original scheduled date in the spring, the Edale Skyline Fell Race was blessed with sunshine and blue skies at the weekend as the 34km Peak District race made up the final round of this year’s English Fell Championships.

Nick Barber recorded his highest finish in a Championship race, with 29^th place after 3:09:01, with Paul Brannigan finishing in 49^th position in 3:22:27.  Rob Tyson completed the route in 3:58:09 for 129^th place.

Mel Blackhurst was the first Todmorden woman in 160^th with a time of 4:08:01, followed by Kath Brierley in 201^st in a time of 4:21:37 and Jane Leonard in 251^st at 4:51:00.

David Leslie completed the Todmorden finishers with 270^th position in a time of 5:35:20.

A trio of Todmorden runners were present at the first fixture of this year’s Red Rose Cross Country League held on a fast dry course at Leigh Sports Village.

Martin Stork completed the course in 62nd place in a time of 38:59, followed by Dan Taylor in 85th with a time of 40:23.

Andrea Marshall was 83rd in the women’s race, with a time of 27:45.

There was a large entry for the Thieveley Pike Fell Race, with Andrew Wrench finishing in 6th place, and first v45.

Stephen Pullin just edged out Jamie Wrench as they finished 27th and 29th respectively, with Jamie claiming the first u18 prize.

Martin Roberts was 41st, with James Riley 59th and Phil Cook in 81st place.

In the junior races, Mayah Brooks finished first U12 girl, whilst Jaden Riley was second U12 boy.

Todmorden runners dominated the U8 boys race with Alex Duffield finishing first.  Noah Lane was second, with Harvey Riley third and William Beresford in fourth place.