9 oct 08

Drama struck the Bronte Way Fell Race on Sunday after a bad fall at Bronte Bridge left one runner requiring an air ambulance rescue. Fortunately, after hospital checks the injured man was found to have no broken bones but still nursing a severely sprained ankle.
For the rest of the 175 runners the 8 mile point to point course, that started at Wycoller and finished on the doorstep of the Fleece Inn on Haworth Main Street, was a more enjoyable experience under glorious blue skies and sunshine. After the previous day’s heavy rain the ground was heavy going but winner Lee Athersmith of Bingley Harriers excelled in the conditions and had a clear margin of more than 3 minutes at the finish. Paul Brannigan was first Todmorden runner to complete the course in 35th place, followed by Simon Galloway in 49th. Mel Blackhurst was first Todmorden lady, with Kath Brierley not far behind her. Both took home prizes with Mel 1st lady V40 and Kath 2nd LV45.
Todmorden results: 35 Paul Brannigan 66:11; 49 Simon Galloway 70:22; 69 Mel Blackhurst 73:37; 82 Kath Brierley 75:52; 97 John Medcalf 79:21; 101 Peter Marshall 79:56; 102 Kevin Coughlan 80:01; 119 Sue Roberts 83:45; 135 Graham Milnes 89:35; 136 Elise Milnes 89:49; 156 Derek Clutterbuck 101:51; 157 Myra Wells 101:59; 164 Rachel Ayre 117:11; 167 Rachel Allen 121:42; 168 Sarah Moss 121:45; 169 Jim Smith 125:32.

Todmorden Harriers recorded a number of excellent results at last week’s Rab Mountain Marathon. The event, held over two days in the remote northern extremities of the Lake District, tested the competitors’ ability both in mountain navigation and fell running. It was the second running of the event and the entrance was up to around 250 teams, from all over Britain.
Harrier Ben Crowther and partner Sophie Brown had a superb event to finish 6th mixed couple, whilst Colin Duffield and Jon Sutcliffe battled in out in the hyper competitive veteran men’s pair category to finish 9th pair and a pleasing 21st overall. Their fellow Harrier, and seasoned mountain athlete, David Wilson went it alone to finish 13th senior solo man and 24th overall.