Preston 10 | Harriers v Cyclists

Sunday saw the last race in the Todmorden Harriers Road Championships, as 6 harriers travelled to Preston for the Preston 10. With their respective titles already in the bag, Paul Brannigan and Sarah Glyde chose to stay away. Nick Barber looking to get the last race needed for qualification for the Club Championship, was eager for the top 10 finish required to take the title. He set off at a rapid pace and was going well at 5 miles in about 4^th/5^th place just under 28 minutes.  Shortly afterwards he was struck by stomach pains and had to pull out due to sickness ending his chances. Paul Alexander was elevated to the first Todmorden Harrier on the road with relish and continued his season of PB’s knocking 6 minutes off his previous 10 mile best, to finish in 1.06.50. Andy Glyde (Sarah’s husband) finished next, closely followed by Phil Cook and Kevin Coughlan. These 3 have all now qualified for the Harriers Grand Prix prior to the final race at Pendle this weekend.

Todmorden Results: Paul Alexander 1.06.50; Andy Glyde 1.12.35; Phil Cook 1.13.07; Kevin Coughlan 1.14.28 ; Peter Erhardt  1.26.18.

A couple of Harriers made the trip to Leeds on Sunday for the Abbey Dash 10k. The out and back course is well known as a fast flat course and had over 10000 participants. Martin Stork showed he is now back to his best following injury, with a great run and new personal best time of 36.40. Andy Mcfie managed to arrive on time this week and completed the Todmorden entries with a solid run of 38.17.

Saturday saw the annual Harriers v Cyclists race from the Fishermans Inn in Bingley. This involves cyclo crossers versus runners. The runners are quicker up the hill and the cyclists on the way back down, on a well balanced course for the challenge. Tom Adams continued his good form winning for the runners ahead of 1^st bike Andy Peace in 2^nd. First Harrier home was Robin Tuddenham just ahead of Steve Pullen. Emma Osenton was on her Cross Bike and managed a very respectable 163^rd position, showing how much she has improved since taking up the discipline only last year. Chris Preston managed to finish in front of Mandy Goth in the battle of the Tod ladies.

Todmorden Results: 48 Robin Tuddenham 41.13; 52 Steve Pullen 41.33; 163 Emma Osenton 53.45; 184 Chris Preston 56.41; 198 Mandy Goth 1.01.04.

Saturday sees the culmination of the Harriers Grand Prix season with the final race at Barley for the Tour of Pendle. At 17 miles long with nearly 5000 feet of climbing the race (in its 30^th year) is known as the toughest of the South Pennine races, with 3 very steep climbs one after another toward the end. Mud, tussocks and bogs are guaranteed in this season finale.