Good weather greeted the 90 runners for the Good Shepherd Classic Fell Race on Saturday. The 15 mile race which finished at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Mytholmroyd raised funds for the Rainbow House orphanage in Poland. The route started at Dauber Bridge and climbed directly up to Stoodley Pike before dropping down to Withens Clough reservoir. A wild moorland loop was then followed taking the runners past the Cloven Stone and along Warland drain before descending to London Road. A second steep climb up to Stoodley Pike was followed by a descent to Cragg Vale before the last section past Robin Hood Rocks to reach the finish.
The race was comfortably won by James Logue of Horwich RMI in just over 2 hours. First finisher of nine Todmorden runners was Dave Collins in 13th place overall and winner of the Vet 50 category. He was followed in by Ben Crowther in 20th and Peter Bowles in 39th. First Todmorden lady, and 6th lady overall, was Mel Blackhurst with Moyra Parfitt completing the course as 1st Lady Vet 60.
On Tuesday five Harriers joined a field of 63 to celebrate prolific race organiser Andy O’Sullivan’s 25th anniversary race at Brown Wardle Hill. The 5 mile scenic course was run over varied terrain of road, trail and fell including a climb up Brown Wardle Hill. Rossendale’s Andy Buttery won the race in a time of 32:10. Martin Roberts finished first Harrier in 11th place narrowly edging out team mate James Riley. Phil Hodgson came in 24th with Jeremy Godden in 32nd. Sole Todmorden lady entrant was Mandy Goth in 54th.
Elsewhere at the weekend, Todmorden Harriers were spread wide and far with Lucy Hobbs finishing 53rd of 174 runners and an excellent 5th woman at the Kirkstall Valley trail race in Leeds. Ian Stansfield tackled the Boggart Chase 10k and Peter Ehrhardt completed the Pennington Flash 5 Mile Trail Race.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Thursday, 18 September 2008
18 sep 08
Many Todmorden Harriers made a short trip to Haworth but for a long race on Sunday. The Yorkshireman off-road marathon and half marathon were both held on Sunday on exceptionally muddy terrain. The full event covers the traditional 26 mile distance but with the added challenge of over 3000 feet of ascent including an uphill finish to the top of the cobbled main street. The half distance is a longer half and included over 1750 feet of ascent.
Provisional results indicated that Nick Barber and Ben Crowther were first Todmorden runners to finish the full marathon in an excellent time of 4 hours 18 minutes closely followed by Derek Donohue.
Afterwards runners were able to relax and enjoy the traditional Morris Dancing entertainment in Haworth but resisted the temptation to join in.
Six Harriers travelled to the Lake District for the 20th anniversary of the Great Langdale Half Marathon which attracted 450 runners including Ron Hill MBE and runners from as far away as South Africa. Billed as Britain’s most scenic road race, the circular route travelled the hilly roads of the Langdale Valley and featured several steep climbs. The weather was kind and after a sunny start, much of the race was run in ideal dry cloudy conditions. This event was also paired with a full marathon, consisting of two laps of the course, but the Todmorden entrants limited themselves to the single lap which counted towards the club’s road championship. The race was comfortably won by Paul Muller of Horwich RMI Harriers in 1:17:50 nearly 5 minutes ahead of the next competitor.
First Todmorden runner was Richard Butterwick followed by Mel Blackhurst, running the course for the 4th consecutive year and beating her previous best time by 4 minutes. Ian Stansfield celebrated his 65th birthday, wearing race number 65.
Full Todmorden Results: 64 Richard Butterwick 1:38:43; 110 Melanie Blackhurst 1:44:11; 182 Kevin Coughlan 1:52:08; 278 Stephen Burnip 2:03:21; 380 Myra Wells 2:16:36; 425 Ian Stansfield 2:34:09
Provisional results indicated that Nick Barber and Ben Crowther were first Todmorden runners to finish the full marathon in an excellent time of 4 hours 18 minutes closely followed by Derek Donohue.
Afterwards runners were able to relax and enjoy the traditional Morris Dancing entertainment in Haworth but resisted the temptation to join in.
Six Harriers travelled to the Lake District for the 20th anniversary of the Great Langdale Half Marathon which attracted 450 runners including Ron Hill MBE and runners from as far away as South Africa. Billed as Britain’s most scenic road race, the circular route travelled the hilly roads of the Langdale Valley and featured several steep climbs. The weather was kind and after a sunny start, much of the race was run in ideal dry cloudy conditions. This event was also paired with a full marathon, consisting of two laps of the course, but the Todmorden entrants limited themselves to the single lap which counted towards the club’s road championship. The race was comfortably won by Paul Muller of Horwich RMI Harriers in 1:17:50 nearly 5 minutes ahead of the next competitor.
First Todmorden runner was Richard Butterwick followed by Mel Blackhurst, running the course for the 4th consecutive year and beating her previous best time by 4 minutes. Ian Stansfield celebrated his 65th birthday, wearing race number 65.
Full Todmorden Results: 64 Richard Butterwick 1:38:43; 110 Melanie Blackhurst 1:44:11; 182 Kevin Coughlan 1:52:08; 278 Stephen Burnip 2:03:21; 380 Myra Wells 2:16:36; 425 Ian Stansfield 2:34:09
Thursday, 11 September 2008
11 sep 08
The latest chapter of Todmorden Harrier’s road championship was contested over Stainland Lions’ tough undulating 7 mile course on Sunday. After a fast downhill start the route climbed steadily upwards to Barkisland before three steep hills in the last couple of miles tested runners’ stamina to the limit. The race was won by Ben Mounsey of the host club in 41:34.
After Richard Butterwick had led the Todmorden contingent round, Paul Brannigan made a supreme push on the final steep rise to take the honours as first Todmorden finisher. The event’s unofficial reputation as a ‘fell race on the roads’ even persuaded Jeremy Godden into his first road race and he was rewarded by breaking the hour mark.
However, it was the ladies who walked away with armfuls of prizes. Claire Duffield transferred her recent excellent fell performances to the road as she finished as 3rd lady overall. Mel Blackhurst followed her in as 4th lady, and 1st V40, and together with Elise Milnes Todmorden took the ladies team prize. Moyra Parfitt added another V60 win to round off a very successful outing.
Full Todmorden results - 19 Paul Brannigan (50:40); 21 Richard Butterwick (50:47); 31 Andrew Bibby (54:07); 36 Claire Duffield (55:04); 37 Mick Craven (55:45); 40 Mel Blackhurst (56:03); 45 Richard O'Sullivan (58:06); 50 Jeremy Godden (59:43); 51 Kevin Coughlan (1:00:02); 53 Elise Milnes (1:00:33); 71 Stephen Burnip (1:05:11); 81 Moyra Parfitt (1:07:00); 91 Graham Milnes (1:09:33); 98 Derek Clutterbuck (1:12:36); 100 Myra Wells (1:13:08); 116 Ian Stansfield (1:19:41);
Sunday also saw three Harriers tackle the roads of Leeds for the reprieved half marathon. First Todmorden runner home was Nick Barber in an excellent time of 1 hour 21 minutes with Rachel Lockley and Katie Jukes also completing the course.
On Saturday, several Harriers were in sunny Scotland tackling the Ben Nevis race that attracted a quality international field, as it was also part of the World Sky Running Championship. In pleasantly warm dry conditions, 450 runners set off to the strains of a traditional pipe band straight up to the top of Britain’s highest peak before the torturous descent back down to Fort William. Spaniard Agusti Roc won the prestigious race by just 13 seconds ahead of Bingley’s Rob Jebb who had led for nearly all the race.
Todmorden’s Andrew Wrench and Jon Wright did the club proud finishing in 23rd and 24th places respectively with just 11 seconds separating them after a close battle throughout. Andrew Horsfall was third Todmorden runner to finish, squeezing home under the 2 hour mark.
Full Todmorden results - 23 Andrew Wrench 1.46.36; 24 Jon Wright 1.46.47; 94 Andrew Horsfall 1.59.16; 197 John Preston 2.15.03; 227 Phil Hodgson 2.17.59; 263 Richard Leonard 2.24.10; 276 Jane Smith 2.25.48; 311 Rhys Watkins 2.34.26; 401 Mandy Goth 2.55.44.
Less comfortable weather was experienced in the Lake District on Saturday for the Grisedale Horseshoe at Glenridding. The normal 10 mile route, with over 5000 feet of ascent, had to be extended by a mile due to a swollen river and 78 runners braved the gale force winds and poor visibility. Amongst them Todmorden runner Ali Richards navigated brilliantly through the wet conditions to finish an exceptional 2nd lady. Kath Brierley and Sue Roberts finished together enabling the ladies to secure the team prize. James Riley was the sole Todmorden male entrant with a quality performance that was close to matching his previous best time, despite the extra distance.
Proving that variety is the spice of the club, three Todmorden Harriers were amongst the 500 who managed to complete the Helvellyn Triathlon on Sunday. Justifiably ranked as one of the toughest triathlons in the country the event held no fear for the local trio that took on the multi-disciplinary endurance challenge. Starting with a mile swim in the ever cold Ullswater, competitors then transferred to their bikes for a hard 38 mile ride including a steep climb out of Ambleside over Kirkstone Pass that would not be out of place on the Tour de France, before a 9 mile fell run over the summit of Helvellyn.
Simon Anderton, competing in this event for Rochdale Tri, finished in 177th in 4 hours 7 minutes. Just 3 minutes behind was Sarah Warburton, continuing her superb development in the sport, in 199th overall and after taking several places on the run finished as 10th female. Simon Galloway was the third Todmorden finisher a further 5 minutes back in 233rd.
After Richard Butterwick had led the Todmorden contingent round, Paul Brannigan made a supreme push on the final steep rise to take the honours as first Todmorden finisher. The event’s unofficial reputation as a ‘fell race on the roads’ even persuaded Jeremy Godden into his first road race and he was rewarded by breaking the hour mark.
However, it was the ladies who walked away with armfuls of prizes. Claire Duffield transferred her recent excellent fell performances to the road as she finished as 3rd lady overall. Mel Blackhurst followed her in as 4th lady, and 1st V40, and together with Elise Milnes Todmorden took the ladies team prize. Moyra Parfitt added another V60 win to round off a very successful outing.
Full Todmorden results - 19 Paul Brannigan (50:40); 21 Richard Butterwick (50:47); 31 Andrew Bibby (54:07); 36 Claire Duffield (55:04); 37 Mick Craven (55:45); 40 Mel Blackhurst (56:03); 45 Richard O'Sullivan (58:06); 50 Jeremy Godden (59:43); 51 Kevin Coughlan (1:00:02); 53 Elise Milnes (1:00:33); 71 Stephen Burnip (1:05:11); 81 Moyra Parfitt (1:07:00); 91 Graham Milnes (1:09:33); 98 Derek Clutterbuck (1:12:36); 100 Myra Wells (1:13:08); 116 Ian Stansfield (1:19:41);
Sunday also saw three Harriers tackle the roads of Leeds for the reprieved half marathon. First Todmorden runner home was Nick Barber in an excellent time of 1 hour 21 minutes with Rachel Lockley and Katie Jukes also completing the course.
On Saturday, several Harriers were in sunny Scotland tackling the Ben Nevis race that attracted a quality international field, as it was also part of the World Sky Running Championship. In pleasantly warm dry conditions, 450 runners set off to the strains of a traditional pipe band straight up to the top of Britain’s highest peak before the torturous descent back down to Fort William. Spaniard Agusti Roc won the prestigious race by just 13 seconds ahead of Bingley’s Rob Jebb who had led for nearly all the race.
Todmorden’s Andrew Wrench and Jon Wright did the club proud finishing in 23rd and 24th places respectively with just 11 seconds separating them after a close battle throughout. Andrew Horsfall was third Todmorden runner to finish, squeezing home under the 2 hour mark.
Full Todmorden results - 23 Andrew Wrench 1.46.36; 24 Jon Wright 1.46.47; 94 Andrew Horsfall 1.59.16; 197 John Preston 2.15.03; 227 Phil Hodgson 2.17.59; 263 Richard Leonard 2.24.10; 276 Jane Smith 2.25.48; 311 Rhys Watkins 2.34.26; 401 Mandy Goth 2.55.44.
Less comfortable weather was experienced in the Lake District on Saturday for the Grisedale Horseshoe at Glenridding. The normal 10 mile route, with over 5000 feet of ascent, had to be extended by a mile due to a swollen river and 78 runners braved the gale force winds and poor visibility. Amongst them Todmorden runner Ali Richards navigated brilliantly through the wet conditions to finish an exceptional 2nd lady. Kath Brierley and Sue Roberts finished together enabling the ladies to secure the team prize. James Riley was the sole Todmorden male entrant with a quality performance that was close to matching his previous best time, despite the extra distance.
Proving that variety is the spice of the club, three Todmorden Harriers were amongst the 500 who managed to complete the Helvellyn Triathlon on Sunday. Justifiably ranked as one of the toughest triathlons in the country the event held no fear for the local trio that took on the multi-disciplinary endurance challenge. Starting with a mile swim in the ever cold Ullswater, competitors then transferred to their bikes for a hard 38 mile ride including a steep climb out of Ambleside over Kirkstone Pass that would not be out of place on the Tour de France, before a 9 mile fell run over the summit of Helvellyn.
Simon Anderton, competing in this event for Rochdale Tri, finished in 177th in 4 hours 7 minutes. Just 3 minutes behind was Sarah Warburton, continuing her superb development in the sport, in 199th overall and after taking several places on the run finished as 10th female. Simon Galloway was the third Todmorden finisher a further 5 minutes back in 233rd.
Thursday, 4 September 2008
4 sep 08
The final English Championship fell race on Saturday at Dufton saw some excellent performances from Todmorden runners, particularly from the ladies team. With the race also being a counter for the British championships it was a very select field that took on the 5 mile course in good conditions, from the agricultural show field.
The ladies’ race was won by Natalie White of Bingley Harriers in a time of 35:56. First Todmorden lady was Ali Richards in 26th place; rapidly followed over the line by Claire Duffield in 28th and Kath Brierley in 33rd. Chris Preston finished as 2nd lady V40 and 41st overall.
The men’s race was won by John Heneghan of Pudsey & Bramley in 28:55, a time many runners would be happy with on the flat, but with 1500 feet of steep ascent and descent squeezed in between it was an impressively fast pace. Not far behind was the first Todmorden man home, Chris Smale, who rounded off an excellent showing in this year’s championship with another solid run.
Full Todmorden results – Men: 22 Christopher Smale (31:54); 90 Dave Collins (37:21); 126 Martin Roberts (39:36); 129 Paul Brannigan (39:48); 146 Andrew Bibby (42:07); 148 Phil Hodgson (42:15); 156 Jeremy Godden (44:26); 162 Richard Leonard (45:21); 185 Derek Clutterbuck (59:59)
Ladies: 26 Alison Richards (41:39); 28 Claire Duffield (41:59); 33 Kath Brierley (42:54); 41 Christine Preston (44:07); 48 Jane Leonard (45:37); 65 Sue Roberts (51:12); 70 Mandy Goth (53:55).
Closer to home, many Harriers were either involved in the organisation of, or took part in, the Blackshaw Head Fete Fell Race. Whilst the fete itself suffered from a waterlogged field, it did nothing to deter the 64 runners that lined up for the 5½ mile course.
The leading group of five runners that included both Sean Carey and Nick Barber in contention for the win took a wrong path mid way through the race and lost valuable time. Unfortunately, too much time and effort had been lost and despite strenuous attempts they were unable to regain the front of the race. Local resident Greg Elwell running in the colours of Halifax Harriers triumphed in 43:04.
First Todmorden Harrier to finish was Nick Barber who recovered back to 8th place just over a minute behind the winner. With top future prospects Sean Carey in 12th and Matt Crowley in 18th not far behind, they narrowly landed Todmorden the award of first team ahead of neighbours Calder Valley. Sean added to this season’s growing credits as he pipped his club mate to the U18 prize which was some consolation for the lost places in the overall placing.
First lady home was Todmorden based, but unattached runner, Lauren Jeska in 49:35. The first Harrier lady was Paula Haworth, who along with Sarah Moss and Rachel Allen combined to take the honours as first ladies team.
Full Todmorden results - 8 Nick Barber (44.22); 12 Sean Carey (44.57); 18 Matt Crowley (46.40); 34 Rhys Watkins (50.31); 53 David O'Neill (66.23); 56 Paula Haworth (72.22); 59 Ian Stansfield (80.40); 60 Sarah Moss (84.24); 61 Rachel Allen (87.24); 62 Jill Greenfield (92.05).
The ladies’ race was won by Natalie White of Bingley Harriers in a time of 35:56. First Todmorden lady was Ali Richards in 26th place; rapidly followed over the line by Claire Duffield in 28th and Kath Brierley in 33rd. Chris Preston finished as 2nd lady V40 and 41st overall.
The men’s race was won by John Heneghan of Pudsey & Bramley in 28:55, a time many runners would be happy with on the flat, but with 1500 feet of steep ascent and descent squeezed in between it was an impressively fast pace. Not far behind was the first Todmorden man home, Chris Smale, who rounded off an excellent showing in this year’s championship with another solid run.
Full Todmorden results – Men: 22 Christopher Smale (31:54); 90 Dave Collins (37:21); 126 Martin Roberts (39:36); 129 Paul Brannigan (39:48); 146 Andrew Bibby (42:07); 148 Phil Hodgson (42:15); 156 Jeremy Godden (44:26); 162 Richard Leonard (45:21); 185 Derek Clutterbuck (59:59)
Ladies: 26 Alison Richards (41:39); 28 Claire Duffield (41:59); 33 Kath Brierley (42:54); 41 Christine Preston (44:07); 48 Jane Leonard (45:37); 65 Sue Roberts (51:12); 70 Mandy Goth (53:55).
Closer to home, many Harriers were either involved in the organisation of, or took part in, the Blackshaw Head Fete Fell Race. Whilst the fete itself suffered from a waterlogged field, it did nothing to deter the 64 runners that lined up for the 5½ mile course.
The leading group of five runners that included both Sean Carey and Nick Barber in contention for the win took a wrong path mid way through the race and lost valuable time. Unfortunately, too much time and effort had been lost and despite strenuous attempts they were unable to regain the front of the race. Local resident Greg Elwell running in the colours of Halifax Harriers triumphed in 43:04.
First Todmorden Harrier to finish was Nick Barber who recovered back to 8th place just over a minute behind the winner. With top future prospects Sean Carey in 12th and Matt Crowley in 18th not far behind, they narrowly landed Todmorden the award of first team ahead of neighbours Calder Valley. Sean added to this season’s growing credits as he pipped his club mate to the U18 prize which was some consolation for the lost places in the overall placing.
First lady home was Todmorden based, but unattached runner, Lauren Jeska in 49:35. The first Harrier lady was Paula Haworth, who along with Sarah Moss and Rachel Allen combined to take the honours as first ladies team.
Full Todmorden results - 8 Nick Barber (44.22); 12 Sean Carey (44.57); 18 Matt Crowley (46.40); 34 Rhys Watkins (50.31); 53 David O'Neill (66.23); 56 Paula Haworth (72.22); 59 Ian Stansfield (80.40); 60 Sarah Moss (84.24); 61 Rachel Allen (87.24); 62 Jill Greenfield (92.05).
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