Stanbury Splash

The 31st annual Stanbury Splash fell race took place on Sunday 19^th January in typically seasonal conditions, with over 400 runners turning out to take on the mud and to take home the prize of a malt loaf. 

The event certainly lived up to its name. Todmorden Harriers maintained their strong presence at this popular local event. The rain that has characterised the winter so far meant that the 7 mile senior course and the shorter Junior course promised to be very muddy – neither course disappointed. 

Both events began in the ankle deep mud at the bottom of the quarry before a short climb. The Junior course then took in the paths round the perimeter of the quarry. 

The senior route took runners across the main road and down the track in the direction of the ruined Withen’s farm. Before the farm, runners were taken down through a field to cross Sladen Beck; they would also cross the beck on the return journey) before climbing out of the valley. They were then taken on a loop around the Ponden Kirkvalley skyline, including a splash through the swollen stream at the, before dropping back into the valley. The route back in retraced the runners’ steps, including a re-crossing of Sladen Beck before the final hard to the finish back at the cricket club in Penistone County Park.

Todmorden Harriers juniors were well represented at the event. Head Coach, Ben Crowther, was on hand to make sure everyone was ready for the run. 

There were strong performances from Todmorden’s runners in all age categories. This was their first taste of a competitive fell race for some of the Juniors.

Junior results

Ollie Davidson (under 8s) 28^th 4.38

Ben Hodgkinson (under 8s) 33^rd 4.50

Rebecca Haworth (under 8s) 35^th 4.52

Rachel Davis (under 8s) 37^th 4.56

Laurie Gee (under 10s) 63^rd 9.10

Linus Mulhern (under 10s) 69^th 9.19

Oonagh Brooks (under 10s) 111^th 10.36

Thea Crowther (under 10s) 132^nd 11.33

In the senior ladies race Laura Sutcliffe had the honour of being first Toddie home, placing 312^th in 73.12. Jane Leonard (FV50) was the second Todmorden lady home in 314^th in 75.44. 

First senior male, and also first V50, for Todmorden was Martin Roberts in 102^nd place in 58.20. Dave Collins was second V50 and second senior male for Todmorden in 122^nd place (60.01). 

Kevin Booth (V40) and Roger Haworth competed hard for the honour of 3^rd senior male for Todmorden. They passed each other several times over the last 3 miles, Kevin eventually taking 3^rd senior male for Todmorden (178^th overall) in 64.27 with Roger finishing 184^th in 64.44. 

Joe Daniels, who couldn’t quite keep up pace with Kevin and Roger in the final mile of the course, finished 191^st in 65.12.

Senior results

Martin Roberts 102^nd 58.20

Dave Collins 122^nd 60.01

Kevin Booth 178^th 64.27

Roger Haworth 184^th 64.44

Joe Daniels 191^st 65.12

Laura Sutcliffe 312^th 73.12

Jane Leonard 314^th 75.44

Todmorden Harriers welcome and look after runners of all ability. Check out www.todharriers.co.uk for details.

JD