Hot Toddy | Whinberry Naze

Todmorden Harriers’ Hot Toddy road race took advantage of a relative lull in the wintery weather on Sunday, attracting 250 runners. The 5.8 mile race was started by Todmorden’s Mayor, Councillor Cheryl Stovin, who also presented the prizes afterwards at new race HQ Todmorden Working Men’s Social Club.

Last year’s winner Ian Grime, of Newham and Essex Beagles, opened up an early lead as the race travelled up Rochdale Road, turning at Walsden Post Office for a long steady climb up to the Shepherd’s Rest. Runners then had to take care on the descent via Woodhouse Road, as small ice patches still remained, before returning to Todmorden Centre along Halifax Road. Grime retained his lead to the end to win in a time of 30:20. A three way battle for 2nd place was won out by Richard Howarth of Horwich RMI finishing just ahead of Mike Flatley of Middleton Harriers and local runner Alex Whittem.

Amy Green, of Keighley and Craven, went one better than last year to finish 1st female in 35:00 holding off the challenge from Rotherham’s Rose Edwards and a fast finishing Sarah Louise Cumber of Halifax Harriers. Multiple past winner Sue Becconsall followed them across the line, taking the Vet50 prize.

Alistair Rhodes-Dawson made a rare foray onto the tarmac to finish first Harrier in 18th place, followed by Shaun Pickard in 31st. Sarah May was first Todmorden lady to finish – and 5th lady overall, just 2 seconds behind teammate Mark Anderton. Karen Gray was the next Todmorden lady to finish, improving on last year’s performance by almost 5 minutes. Moyra Parfitt collected the ladies vet60 prize.

Todmorden Results: 18 Alistair Rhodes-Dawson 34:38; 31 Shaun Pickard 35:40; 34 Mark Anderton 35:58; 35 Sarah May 36:00; 45 Richard Butterwick 37:32; 48 Simon Anderton 37:41; 52 Stephen Brandwood 38:02; 61 Martin Stork 38:46; 84 Mick Craven 41:05; 94 Dan Taylor 41:43; 108 Karen Gray 42:31; 132 Wayne Morrison 44:31; 144 Emma Osenton 46:07; 154 Moyra Parfitt 46:51; 158 David Leslie 46:59; 166 Melanie Robertson 47:46; 179 Helen Wilson 49:10; 201 Jenny Ehrhardt 52:30; 208 Myra Wells 53:33; 235 Barbara Bush 58:18.


Todmorden’s top young talent Sean Carey rounded off an excellent year with his first senior fell race victory at the snowy and icy Whinberry Naze Fell Race on Boxing Day at Rawtenstall. Whilst the 4 mile race, with 750 feet of ascent and descent, traditionally entices many runners to don fancy dress, the strength of the field and tricky conditions meant this was still a serious race and an excellent and hard earned achievement. Sean finished in a time of 27:55, over 30 seconds ahead of Horwich’s James Logue.

Todmorden’s Andrew Wrench and Jon Wright finished 4th and 7th respectively, with Ben Crowther in 38th on a rewarding outing for the club.

Following The Wrong Trod

The Wrong Trod begins here... where you can find copies of the Todmorden Harriers press reports submitted to the weekly Todmorden News and featured in Tod Harriers' excellent bi-monthly~ish Torrier newsletter.

These report on the fell running, road and trail racing and occasionally other activities of the many members of Todmorden Harriers Athletic Club based in the Upper Calder Valley area of the South Pennines in Northern England.



[Earlier reports retrospectively added]

The Stoop

The wintery weather did little to deter the 13 Todmorden Harriers who trekked to Penistone Country Park near Haworth for The Stoop fell race on Sunday. With the race route adjusted for safety reasons to the old course, the 200 strong field of runners were still faced with blizzards and icy conditions during the 5 mile out and back race to the Oxenhope Stoop boundary stone.


Young Harrier Sean Carey lived with the early pace set by 6-time winner Rob Hope and 10-time winner Ian Holmes on the way out, but current British Champion Hope ploughed through the snow on the return to take the glory with his 7th victory in a time of 30:50, just 3 seconds ahead of a fast finishing Holmes. Sean finished the day in 6th place, taking the under18 prize with ease.

Sean Pickard was the next Harrier to finish in 40:21 followed by Simon Galloway and Paul Cotton. Clive ‘Spiderman’ Greatorex had no problem scaling the gate hurdle at the finish and was pursued in by Andrew Bibby and Richard Butterwick, with Phil Hodgson and Dan Taylor following in quick succession.

A festive looking Chris Preston, nosed ahead of Richard O’Sullivan at the finish, and was the first of three Todmorden ladies in 45:34, ahead of Karen Gray and Louise Abdy.



The Hot Toddy road race takes place at 11am on Sunday 27th December 2009, with a 1 mile fun run starting at 10:30am. Whilst the course is unchanged, Todmorden Working Men’s Social Club on Halifax Road has stepped in to host registration on the day. The race always attracts a good turnout of runners, of all abilities, to the 5.8mile route.

After the race all finishers, aged over 18, will receive a free ‘hot toddy’ at the Club, where runners and spectators are welcome for the prize giving ceremony.

Calderdale Way Relay

Todmorden Harriers entered four teams into last Sunday’s Calderdale Way Relay, magnificently organised by Halifax Harriers, joining over 1000 of the country’s top fell runners on the scenic trail.


The race follows the 50 mile route of the Calderdale Way, with an additional side loop to take in Stoodley Pike, and totals over 12,000 feet of climbing. The distance is split into 6 legs which are each run by a pair of runners within teams of 12.

With relatively mild temperatures and good visibility throughout the day, all four Todmorden teams posted improved times on last year.

After Dark Peak had made the early running, Calder Valley briefly headed the race on leg 2, before Dark peak regained it on leg 3. Salford then took up the lead on leg 4 and held off a strong challenge from Dark Peak to win with a narrow 2 minute margin, in a time of 5:54:08.

Todmorden’s men’s ‘A’ team finished in 14th place, with Andrew Wrench and Sean Carey setting the fastest time of the day on leg 3. The short, mainly uphill, leg started in Centre Vale Park and rose up to Blackshawhead past Great Rock.

The men’s ‘B’ team finished in 44th, with team captain Simon Galloway and Peter Bowles having a tremendous run on leg 2 to move up 21 places. Starting from Cragg Vale this leg climbed over Stoodley Pike and featured a tough climb past Dobroyd Castle before dropping down to the Park.

The ladies finished the day as 6th placed ladies team just 3 minutes behind local rivals, Calder Valley, after Sarah May and Lauren Jeska had set them off with a flying first leg. Starting from North Dean Woods, the longest leg of the day crossed Norland Moor before dropping down into Ripponden and then back up past Sowerby Crow Hill on its way to Cragg Vale.

The mixed ‘Allstars’ team also had an excellent first leg from Andrew Bibby and Lee McCluskey and continued to work hard throughout all the legs to finish in 81st overall.

Leg 4 started at Blackshaw Head and made it way across to Whipstalls via Heptonstall and Hardcastle Crags. The pick of the Todmorden performances was Ben Crowther and Paul Hobbs who ran an excellent leg against strong competition to hold onto a then 11th place.

After a change over at Wainstalls leg 5 headed east to the final changeover at Shelf. Ladies team captain Chris Preston and ladies club captain Kath Brierley made a formidable pairing on this leg to move the ladies up 7 places.

‘B’ Team runners Dan Taylor and Kevin Booth also made good time on this leg to gain a place and set up their final runners Simon Anderton and Nick Wigmore who took another 3 places on leg 6.

2009 Annual Presentation

Todmorden Harriers took the opportunity to celebrate 2009’s successes at their Annual Awards Presentation Evening, held at Todmorden Cricket Club on Saturday.
Prior to the awards, Ray Poulter led a moving tribute to long time member Dr George Barrow who had sadly recently passed away.
Andrew Wrench, who had started the year as he meant to go on with a win on New Year’s Day, at the Giant’s Tooth Fell Race, dominated the evening’s awards winning the men’s Fell Championship, the overall Grand Prix, the Club Champion and, for the first time, the club’s Road Championship.
Lauren Jeska, who had also won on New Year’s Day, at the Nine Standards Fell Race, received the ladies Fell Championship trophy in her first full year with the club.
Also receiving prizes in the clubs fell championship were runner up Alistair Rhodes-Dawson, Dave Collins (1st vet50), Peter Marshall (1st vet60), Claire Duffield (1st lady vet35), Chris Preston (1st lady vet40) and Kath Brierley (1st lady vet45).
Kath also received the Eric Stuttard Award for the best performance in the English Fell Championships, where she claimed a hard fought bronze medal in the ladies vet 45 category. After a vote on the night, Kath added the Clubman of the Year trophy to her haul.
In addition to 13 team wins at various road and fell races across the year, the ladies team once again set a new best performance in the English Fell Championships with a 5th placing, narrowly missing out on 4th to Clayton le Moors. The ladies vet40 team matched that with a 5th place in the final tables. Another highlight for the ladies team was a 2nd place in the Pennine Bridleway Relay in January.
The men’s team also improved upon last year’s English Championship performance to finish in the top 10, with the vet40 team and vet50 teams both finishing in 7th in their respective categories.
Ben Crowther received the ‘Most Improved Runner’ trophy having recorded some excellent performances in the English Championships, and together with Nick Barber, finished 2nd pair in the two day OMM event.
Peter Ehrhardt and Paul Brannigan were the first recipients of commemorative tankards to mark the completion of 10 club Grand Prix qualifications. The 2009 Grand Prix had attracted a record 96 participants, with 19 achieving the qualifying minimum.
Lucy Hobbs was the awarded the ladies Road Championship, after season long battle with runner up Sarah Glyde and 3rd placed Mel Blackhurst, who finished 1st lady vet40. Also taking prizes home for the road championship were Ian Stansfield (1st vet65), Peter Ehrhardt (1st vet 60), David Henthorne (1st vet50) and Moyra Parfitt (1st lady vet60).

Entries are now open for the Hot Toddy 5.8mile road race on Sunday December 27th which welcomes runners of all abilities. The run starts at the Dale Street car park and follows a testing route, first along Rochdale Road to Walsden Post Office, then doubling back along Hollins Road, up to the Shepherds Rest and finally down Halifax Road back to Todmorden town centre. All finishers, over 18 years old, will be rewarded with a hot toddy drink.
Alternatively, there is the mile-long fun run which follows a safe, off-road route close to Todmorden town centre. The Hot Toddy starts at 11am and the fun run gets underway at 10.30am. Entries are accepted on the day. Full details are on the club’s website www.todharriers.co.uk

Tour of Pendle | Rivock Edge | Abbey Dash

Todmorden Harriers’ club Fell Championship came to a close at the Tour of Pendle on Saturday. The 17mile race, which includes nearly 5000 feet of ascent and descent, is one of the toughest tests in the local area. Heavy rain, gale force winds and clag covered hilltops added to the challenge.
Starting from Barley village, a short road section took the runners straight to their first ascent of the landmark peak. After a steady descent to the Nick o’ Pendle the field turned towards Churn Reservoir, where a sharp climb took runners up onto Spence Moor. The spectacular ‘Geronimo’ descent down to the checkpoint at Ogden Clough brought out a sizeable number of spectators.
Another climb up and out of the Clough then took the runners back across towards the ski centre. They then took in an undulating course along the north side of the hill before the final stiff climb back up to Big End. A long final descent back to Ogden Clough led onto the final push back to the welcome finish at Barley.
Alistair Rhodes-Dawson was the first Todmorden runner to finish, consolidating his 2nd place behind Andrew Wrench in the club’s Fell Championship. Ben Crowther followed him in, with Chris Preston first Todmorden lady ahead of Elise Milnes.


On Sunday a trio of Harriers experienced slightly better conditions for the Rivock Edge Fell Race at Silsden.
The 6.3 mile course includes over 800 feet of ascent and was won by Lewis Banton in 53:02. First Harrier to finish was Simon Galloway – fresh from his recent Lytham St Annes 5k Monsterdash win – in 1:03:12. Chasing him in were Mick Craven and Peter Ehrhardt.


Andy McFie got his London Marathon training off to a flying start at the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k with a 218th position out of the 600 runners in a time of 37:56. Melanie Robertson had a fine run to finish in 51:55 and Debbie Fawcett stopped the clock in 1:03:25.

Dunnerdale

A sizeable contingent of 19 Todmorden Harriers helped swell a record field of 276 for the Dunnerdale Fell Race in the South Western Lakeland Fells. Starting from the small village of Broughton Mills the 5 mile route steadily climbed over The Knott and Raven’s Cragg with little respite. Heavy overnight rain that saturated the ground meant that the descent that followed was underwater in many parts and deep mud for the rest.
A stiff climb up to the distinctive peak of Stickle Pike took runners briefly onto slightly rockier ground before a final boggy climb over Great Stickle took the total ascent to 1800 feet and a final muddy descent back to the village.
Tom Addison of local club Helm Hill and Lloyd Taggart of Dark Peak headed the field throughout with only 6 seconds between them at the end with Addison crossing the finish line in 39:36, a creditable time in the conditions.
Martin Roberts led in the Todmorden entry in 59th place with Jeff Walker in 81st. Claire Duffield held off a late challenge from Richard Butterwick as they finished in 103rd and 104th respectively with Phil Hodgson in 110th.
Rachel Skinner was Todmorden’s 2nd lady finisher, before Dan Taylor was followed in by Sarah Warburton and Kath Brierley in quick succession.

Todmorden Results: 59 Martin Roberts 52:12; 81 Jeff Walker 54:47; 103 Claire Duffield 56:27; 104 Richard Butterwick 56:30; 110 Phil Hodgson 56:56; 132 Rachel Skinner 58:28; 144 Dan Taylor 59:34; 146 Sarah Warburton 59:43; 147 Kath Brierley 59:45; 161 John Preston 1:01:10; 167 Christine Preston 1:01:25; 175 Mick Howard 1:02:09; 182 Richard Leonard 1:03:00; 210 Louise Abdy 1:05:41; 223 Richard Blakeley 1:08:19; 236 Mandy Goth 1:10:22; 243 Barry Chapman 1:12:28; 246 Mel Siddall 1:13:28; 252 Kirsten Airlie 1:15:15.

Lancaster Half | Shepherd's Skyline

The final race in Todmorden Harriers’ Road Championship on Sunday saw Lucy Hobbs crowned ladies champion after an excellent run at the Lancaster Half Marathon.
Paul Brannigan was the first Todmorden runner to finish in 29th out of 666 runners, securing 2nd place in the men’s championship behind winner Andrew Wrench.
Dan Taylor dipped under the 90 minute mark at Lancaster to end the year in 4th place in the final club standings behind Richard Butterwick, and ahead of Phil Cook.
Despite the pressure Lucy ran a well judged race to pip Sarah Glyde and Mel Blackhurst to the title in one of the closest championship finishes in years.
Todmorden Results: 29 Paul Brannigan 1:21:36; 91 Dan Taylor 1:29:55; 168 Lucy Hobbs 1:35:55; 196 Darren Tweed 1:37:56; 335 Mel Siddall 1:46:27; 605 Katy Moore 2:16:21.


The Shepherd’s Skyline Fell Race took place on Saturday once again attracting a large field of over 260 in the main race and a record 83 for the junior races on the hills above the Shepherd’s Rest Inn in wet and muddy conditions.
The 6.25 mile senior race followed a route from the Inn up past Langfield Edge and along the skyline to Stoodley Pike. A hair raising steep descent took the runners down to London Road, for a brief flat section followed by a tough climb back up the hillside to the Stoop and a return back to the Shepherd’s Rest.
Graham Pearce of Pudsey and Bramley won the race in a time of 42:07, just over a minute ahead of Calder Valley’s Ben Mounsey. Sean Carey was Todmorden’s first finisher in 4th place, and first U18, in a time of 44:32. Alistair Rhodes-Dawson finished in 18th, with Ben Crowther just holding off a fast finishing Dave Collins in 32nd and 34th respectively.
Peter Jackson won the Vet60 prize finishing just past the hour mark with Sarah Warburton, the Harriers first female finisher, not far behind.
John Preston nobly sacrificed his race to assist an injured runner off the hills after a fall.
Todmorden Results: 4 Sean Carey 44:32; 18 Alistair Rhodes-Dawson 48:43; 32 Ben Crowther 50:49; 34 Dave Collins 51:20; 40 Paul Hobbs 51:53; 58 Martin Roberts 54:34; 68 Paul Burnett 55:33; 73 Simon Galloway 56:06; 122 Peter Jackson 1:00:32; 126 Gareth Vickers 1:00:50; 136 Sarah Warburton 1:01:33; 167 Christine Preston 1:04:29; 168 John Medcalf 1:04:31; 217 Peter Ehrhardt 1:12:46; 224 Fiona Armer 1:13:39; 234 Julie Wyant 1:16:44; 249 John Preston 1:28:05;

Through the Villages

The penultimate round of Todmorden Harriers’ Road Championship on Sunday saw Sarah Glyde hold off a strong challenge from Lucy Hobbs to consolidate her lead in the ladies championship. However, the destination of the title will go to the wire at next weekend’s Lancaster half marathon, with Mel Blackhurst also still in the mix.
The 8.45mile Through the Villages Race from Wheelton followed an undulating loop through several Lancashire villages, and despite the stormy and blustery conditions the rain held off for much of the race.
Paul Brannigan was the first Todmorden runner to finish in 20th place, and 3rd vet45. Barring any mishaps at next week’s race he should comfortably claim 2nd place behind Andrew Wrench in the men’s championship. Richard Butterwick was next over the line to finish in 45th boosting his chances of capturing 3rd place in the championship, with Andrew Bibby in 71st, and 3rd vet55.
Sarah Glyde finished just 9 seconds ahead of Lucy Hobbs after a race long tussle that may prove vital in the final standings. Mel Siddall was next Todmorden lady to finish, taking 3rd vet45.
Bev Wright resisted Peter Ehrhardt’s efforts pipping him on the line by 5 seconds and Barry Chapman completed the Todmorden contingent in 239th.
Todmorden Results: 21 Paul Brannigan 54:02; 45 Richard Butterwick 57:52; 71 Andrew Bibby 1:02:15; 104 Sarah Glyde 1:04:58; 105 Lucy Hobbs 1:05:07; 142 Mel Siddall 1:10:17; 160 Bev Wright 1:12:02; 161 Peter Ehrhardt 1:12:07; 239 Barry Chapman 1:26:38;

The Harriers turn race organisers next weekend with the popular Shepherd’s Skyline Fell Race taking place on Saturday 7th November from the Shepherd’s Rest Inn on Lumbutts Road. The main race starts at 1pm and follows a 6mile loop past Stoodley Pike. Junior races take place on the hillside above the inn and begin at 12noon. Full details can be found on the club’s website: www.todmordenharriers.co.uk

Accrington 10k | OMM | Snowdonia Marathon | Race to the Summit | Withins Skyline

A wind of change blew Todmorden’s ladies road championship wide open at the weekend with a 40 second advantage at the finish of the Accrington 10k allowing Sarah Glyde to edge past closest rival Mel Blackhurst in the overall standings.
Over 300 runners took to the hilly course fighting their way through windy conditions, with Wesham’s Steve Littler taking the win in 33:53. First Harrier to finish was a resurgent Paul Brannigan in 20th strengthening his claim for 2nd place in the men’s championship, followed by Richard Butterwick in 43rd and Andrew Bibby in 85th.
Sarah led in the ladies ahead of Mel. Elise Milnes was next to finish, taking the prize for 1st vet45, and Moyra Parfitt had a strong run to win the vet60 prize.
Rachel Henthorne held off a late challenge from husband David, as he overtook Helen Hodgkinson in the run in to the line, with Graham Milnes rounding off the Todmorden entry.
Todmorden results: 20 Paul Brannigan 39:22; 43 Richard Butterwick 41:51; 85 Andrew Bibby 45:11; 105 Sarah Glyde 46:15; 115 Mel Blackhurst 46:55; 165 Elise Milnes 50:19 (1st v45); 199 Moyra Parfitt 52:29; 223 Rachel Henthorne 54:53; 224 David Henthorne 54:55; 225 Helen Hodgkinson 55:12; 247 Graham Milnes 57:14.


At the OMM two day event in mid-Wales, Harriers achieved considerable success with Mandy Goth and Sue Roberts winning the ladies pairs in the long score event. Helen and David Wilson finished 2nd in the veteran mixed pairs and Jon Wright and Andrew Horsfall were 13th in the men’s pairs, also in the long score which attracted nearly 200 entries.
Ben Crowther and Nick Barber finished 2nd in the medium score event, after a sensational 2nd day performance that saw them move up from 25th place.

A little further north, two Harriers took on the Snowdonia Marathon. The 26 mile course is reputed to be the most scenic marathon course in the UK. However, the wild windy wet weather meant there was little chance of sight-seeing for the 1800 runners as the route circumnavigated the Snowdon peak. Emma Osenton finished in a time of 4:24 and Julie Wyant in 4:38.

Closer to home on Saturday, a quartet of Harriers braved the stormy conditions for the Race to the Summit Fell Race. The short 4 mile course is a steep dash up from the Summit pub to the Whitehouse pub and back. Former Harriers Sean Willis led Chris Smale at the turnaround, with the positions reversed at the finish as Smale took the win by 4 seconds in a time of 29:14. Todmorden’s Sean Carey was in close attendance throughout and gained a place on the descent to finish 3rd only a few seconds behind. Lauren Jeska won the ladies race in 35:17 with Dan Taylor finishing 29th and Phil Cook 43rd.

On Sunday, several Harriers made their way to Haworth for the Withins Skyline Fell Race. The 7 mile route is a loop from Penistone Country Park out into the moors past Top Withins. Andrew Wrench was first Todmorden man to finish, just behind winner Tom Addison.

British Fell Relay | Bronte Way

Todmorden Harriers put out three relay teams at the British Fell Relay Championships on Sunday, held in the Lake District’s Ennerdale Hills. The relays are run in teams of six with a single runner leading off in the first leg, followed by two pairs for legs 2 & 3 and a final individual runner completing the team. Conditions could not have been much more testing, as mist quickly closed in after the first leg reducing visibility down to 20 metres for times.
On a day that favoured those with keen navigational skills, it was an achievement just to finish and several of the top contenders were disqualified for missing checkpoints in the clag, including current Triathlon World Champion Alistair Brownlee running for Bingley.
Todmorden’s men’s team put in a solid performance to finish 27th overall, with the men’s veteran team finishing 26th in their category. The ladies team capped a good season with a 9th place, narrowly missing out on 8th.

Closer to home, Harriers’ John & Christine Preston were organising the Bronte Way Fell Race at Haworth. The race follows a rare point to point route from Wycoller to the finish at the door of the Fleece Inn on Haworth’s Main Street. 168 runners took to the course to be rewarded with a hot soup and a bottle of beer at the finish. Martin Roberts was the first Harrier to finish in 24th, followed by Richard Gilbert in 39th. Mick Craven was 69th and John Medcalf 102nd. First Todmorden lady was Sue Roberts, followed by Kirsten Arlie and Hannah Januszczyk.

Langdale

Kath Brierley was the toast of Todmorden after the final English Championship Fell Race at Langdale on Saturday, as she secured a bronze medal in the LV45 category. Starting the day laying in equal third position with Clayton le Moors legendary runner Wendy Dodds, and with Clayton’s Anna Kelly just 1 point behind, the 14 mile course was a fittingly tough decider with poor visibility adding to the challenge.
After 3 hours of racing over some the Lake District’s highest peaks, just 8 minutes separated the trio. Wendy Dodds was ahead of Kath on the line, but the championship is decided upon the best four scores out of the six races, and after some mind bending mental arithmetic it became clear that Kath had clinched the medal, with the Clayton pair finishing joint 4th just 2 points adrift.
Lauren Jeska had another fine run finishing 7th lady on the day, to move her up the ladies overall table to 19th. Kath’s performance also took her up to 25th and Sarah May finished the year in 31st. With all three having suffered injuries this year, there will be much to look forward to in next year’s championship.
The first Todmorden man to finish was Andrew Wrench in 35th, with Alistair Rhodes-Dawson having an inspired run to finish just 2 minutes back in 42nd. Ben Crowther and Dave Collins also made it into the top 100.

Todmorden Results: 35 Andrew Wrench 2.26.02; 42 Alastair Rhodes-Dawson 2.28.37; 81 Ben Crowther 2.42.18; 97 Dave Collins 2.46.19; 125 Lauren Jeska 2.50.51; 180 Peter Bowles 3.10.31; 210 Kath Brierley 3.16.42; 211 Phil Hodgson 3.16.45; 243 David Wilson 3.27.19; 244 Christine Preston 3.30.17; 292 Mandy Goth 4.07.00; 294 Sue Roberts 4.08.00.

Autumn Leaves | Burnley Fire 7

Autumn weather arrived with a vengeance for the two Todmorden Harriers who entered the Autumn Leaves Fell Race at Diggle on Saturday. The 8.5 mile course wound its way between several reservoirs on Marsden Moor taking in 1700 feet of ascent. With gale force winds and rain behind the runners for much of the first half of the race they knew they were in for a tough return. Sadly it was too tough for one competitor who retired with a broken ankle after a nasty fall.
Organised by Saddleworth runners, the home club provided the winner in Colin Bishop after a race long battle with teammate – and former Harrier – Sean Willis.
Paul Hobbs was the first Todmorden representative, finishing in 18th place just 10 minutes behind, with Mick Craven revelling in the conditions to finish 55th a further 10 minutes back.

A calmer side of autumn was experienced on Sunday with cool sunny conditions winning out after early showers for the Burnley Fire Station 7 mile road race. The event raises funds for the Firefighters Charity and Pendleside Hospice and was comfortably won by Steve Littler of Wesham in a time of 37:19.
Three Harriers took part, with Richard Butterwick finishing in 19th place, Peter Ehrhardt in 85th and Ian Stansfield – completing his 59th race of this year - in 112th.

Thieveley Pike | Macclesfield Half

Holme Chapel in Cliviger was the venue on Saturday, as the latest round of Todmorden Harriers’ Fell Championship took in the Thieveley Pike Fell Race. The 4.25 mile route features several sharp climbs, totalling over 1300 feet, and is run in part over private land with the kind permission of landowners.

A brief dash across the start field was followed by a short section along the Pennine Bridleway, leading to the first, and steepest, of the day’s climbs, with the runners scrambling up the rough bank to Stone House Edge. After a short grassy downhill section and a stream crossing, the next moorland climb led to a traverse along the ridge to the Pike. A steep descent to Dean Scout punctuated by a small climb preceded the final rise of the day, which crossed the earlier route and then dropped the runners back down to the Bridleway for the fast run in to the finish.

Calder Valley’s Ben Mounsey was victorious for the 2nd successive year, in a time of 32:26, ahead of Horwich’s James Logue. Andrew Wrench was the first of the 26 Harriers to finish in 3rd place, followed by Sean Carey in 12th. Paul Brannigan narrowly edged out Nick Barber for 18th place.

Todmorden Ladies dominated the female finishers, holding five out of the top nine places, lead by an excellent victory for Lauren Jeska. Claire Duffield was 2nd lady and Kath Brierley 4th to easily take the team prize. Lucy Hobbs and Louise Abdy finished 6th and 9th ladies respectively.

Todmorden Results: 3 Andrew Wrench 33:46; 12 Sean Carey 35:57; 18 Paul Brannigan 37:20; 19 Nick Barber 37:23; 21 Dave Collins 37:49; 27 Paul Burnett 40:51; 28 Lauren Jeska 40:58; 34 James Riley 42:07; 38 Andrew Bibby 42:35; 40 Claire Duffield 43:08; 47 Kath Brierley 44:47; 54 Richard Butterwick 45:57; 64 Lucy Hobbs 47:08; 71 Peter Marshall 48:40; 73 Louise Abdy 48:56; 78 Peter Ehrhardt 50:06; 79 Elise Milnes 50:17; 82 Kevin Coughlan 50:33; 83 Mel Siddall 51:23; 87 Fiona Armer 51:38; 89 Helen Hodgkinson 52:03; 90 Sue Roberts 52:07; 96 Graham Milnes 53:27; 98 Barry Chapman 55:43; 99 Dave O'Neill 55:53; 112 Ian Stansfield 1:14:20.


With so many racing on Saturday, Sarah Glyde was the sole representative of the club at Sunday’s Macclesfield Half Marathon, despite the race featuring in the club’s Road Championship. Sarah took full advantage, finishing in a time of 1:44:22 to close the gap on ladies championship leader Mel Blackhurst to less than a point.

Good Shepherd

Todmorden Harriers were on familiar ground on Saturday as Calder Valley Fell Runners’ Good Shepherd Fell Race featured in the club’s Fell Championship. The 14 mile race, which had a slight route change this year, featured over 2000 feet of ascent and descent made all the tougher by the warm sunny weather.

Starting at Dauber Bridge in Cragg Vale, the runners immediately climbed up through Spring Wood and made the first of two visits of the day to Stoodley Pike. A quick descent to Withens Clough led to the next moorland climb up to the Cloven Stone checkpoint. There was then a choice of routes taken to reach the next checkpoint at London Road, with the leading group of Horwich’s James Logue, Todmorden’s Andrew Wrench and Calder Valley’s Gavin Mulholland opting to retrace their steps back to Withens Clough and climb back up through Withens Gate, whilst much of the field took the flatter but longer option around Warland Drain. After a short section along London Road, a tough climb back up to Stoodley Pike – which allowed Logue to establish a small lead - was followed by a long descent through Sunderland Pasture and Spa Wood to Cragg Vale. The final climb of the day took the runners to Robin Hood Rocks before they returned to the finish at the Good Shepherd in Mytholmroyd.

James Logue retained his narrow lead to the Rocks before a wrong turn by the following pair allowed him to open up a 5 minute gap at the finish. Andrew Wrench finished in second place ahead of Gavin Mulholland.
Dave Collins was the next Harrier to complete the course in 7th. Andy McFie and Paul Brannigan battled to the line with McFie just edging out his teammate into 12th which helped Todmorden win the team prize just one point ahead of Calder Valley.
The situation was reversed as Calder Valley Ladies took the women’s team prize by one point ahead of Todmorden. Anne Johnson was first lady to finish with Todmorden’s Claire Duffield in 2nd. Lucy Hobbs finished 6th lady after a strong finish, with Mel Blackhurst 8th lady.

Tod Results: 2 Andrew Wrench 1:50:33; 7 Dave Collins 1:58:25; 12 Andy McFie 2:01:11; 13 Paul Brannigan 2:01:13; 17 Ben Crowther 2:02:16; 27 Paul Hobbs 2:13:05; 28 Andrew Horsfall 2:13:15; 39 Claire Duffield 2:20:33; 40 Peter Bowles 2:20:47; 45 Darren Tweed 2:21:07; 58 Dan Taylor 2:26:03; 68 Lucy Hobbs 2:33:19; 70 Richard Butterwick 2:34:22; 74 Mel Blackhurst 2:36:07; 86 Peter Marshall 2:46:32; 91 Peter Ehrhardt 2:54:51; 94 Sue Roberts 3:00:38; 96 Elise Milnes 3:04:04; 97 Moyra Parfitt 3:04:11.

Stainland 7 | Ben Nevis | Blackshaw Head | Hades Hill

Andrew Wrench moved into a near unassailable position at the top of Todmorden Harriers’ Road Championship after the latest qualifying round at the Stainland 7. The challenging, and well organised, race features several steep climbs in the latter stages after a long downhill start. Whilst it leaves many runners saying “never again” at the finish, it is a favourite of many who return year after year, particularly after post race reflection in race HQ, The Red Lion. Ben Mounsey of organising club Stainland Lions set a new course record as he won in a time of 40:52, in ideal warm and cloudy conditions.
Todmorden put in a strong showing and won both the men’s’ and women’s team prizes. Andy Wrench led the way in 4th place, followed by Nick Barber and Dave Collins. The ladies team, Mel Blackhurst, Lucy Hobbs and Sarah Glyde, took 4th, 5th and 6th places to repeat the club’s achievement of the previous year.
Once again the Harriers also took many of the individual prizes with Andy Wrench 1st vet40, Mel Blackhurst 1st FV40, Lucy Hobbs 1st FV35 and Elise Milnes 1st FV45. Adding to this, were respectable positions for Sarah Glyde 2nd FV35, Rachel Henthorne 2nd FV40 and Moyra Parfitt 2nd FV60.

Tod Results: 4 Andy Wrench 44:02; 8 Nick Barber 46:47; 11 Dave Collins 48:25; 17 Richard Butterwick 50:48; 21 Darren Tweed 51:25; 32 Phil Cook 54:10; 39 Dan Taylor 55:56; 41 Mel Blackhurst 56:31; 48 Lucy Hobbs 57:15; 53 Sarah Glyde 58:18; 62 Elise Milnes 59:34 ; 76 Kevin Coughlan 1:02:09; 81 Peter Ehrhardt 1:03:47; 90 Moyra Parfitt 1:05:17; 100 Graham Milnes 1:10:05; 101 Dave O'Neill 1:10:37; 104 Dave Henthorne 1:11:02; 105 Rachel Henthorne 1:11:06; 115 Ian Stansfield 1:22:42.

Conditions were far from ideal on Saturday for the 9 Harriers who took on the challenge of the Ben Nevis Fell Race. Despite the sub zero temperatures on the summit and freezing rain and poor visibility, there was a record 464 finishers. With the 10 mile race featuring in the Skyrunning World Series a high quality international field assembled to tackle the 4400 feet climb up to the highest point in Britain and straight back down to Fort William.
Bingley’s Rob Jebb and Spanish runner Augusti Roc were together at the summit, before a fall by the Spaniard allowed Jebb to pull away and complete the course in a time of 1:32:33, three minutes ahead of Pudsey and Bramley’s Danny Hope.
Not far behind was the first Todmorden runner, Jon Wright, who finished in an excellent 18th place winning the Wallace Plaque in the process, in a time of 1:44:28. Andrew Horsfall was next home, in 118th, just past the 2 hour mark.
Lauren Jeska celebrated her birthday in style with 12th lady in a time of 2:14:12, and along with Sue Roberts and Mandy Goth, helped the Todmorden Ladies team into an excellent 3rd place.

Closer to home on Saturday several Harriers took part in the Blackshaw Head Fell Race, organised by Harrier Patsey Reilly. The 5.5 mile course featured 900 feet of ascent and was comfortably won by James Logue of Horwich RMI Harriers in a time of 37:28, exactly 3 minutes clear of Steve Oldfield in 2nd. First Harrier to finish was Paul Hobbs in 10th, followed by Scott Lapish in 20th and Dan Taylor in 30th.

On Thursday evening, it was Derek Clutterbuck in the organising role for the ever popular Hades Hill Fell Race. Despite starting in torrential rain and with high winds and hail to contend with on the 1200 feet climb up and down Hades Hill, 86 runners braved the conditions with Rossendale’s Ashley Holt victorious over the 5 mile route in a time of 33:35. Sean Carey was the first Todmorden runner in 4th place in a time of 35:01. Paul Burnett edged out Scott Lapish as they finished 17th and 18th respectively, with Dan Taylor in 25th, with Peter Ehrhardt in 79th.

Dent | Piethorne

The penultimate race in the English Fell Championships took place in Dent at the weekend and Todmorden Ladies held onto their 4th place in the overall standings despite growing pressure from Clayton le Moors. With almost 1400 feet of ascent and descent crammed into the short steep 3mile course, the race is one of the steepest in the fell racing calendar.
The ladies race was first off and was won by J Reedy of Ambleside in a time of 32:11, ten seconds ahead of Scunthorpe’s Emma Clayton and Jo Waites of Calder Valley.
Lauren Jeska led in the Todmorden challenge in 18th, followed by Claire Duffield in 25th, Mel Blackhurst in 45th and Sue Roberts in 64th.
In the subsequent men’s race, won by Simon Bailey of Mercia in 25:28, Andrew Wrench was first Todmorden man followed by Alistair Rhodes-Dawson and Dave Collins.
Todmorden Results (Ladies): 18 Lauren Jeska 36:08; 25 Claire Duffield 37:09; 45 Mel Blackhurst 41:05; 64 Sue Roberts 47:45.
(Men) 23 A Wrench 29:10; 39 A Rhodes-Dawson 30:49; 49 D Collins 31:53; 73 A Horsfall 33:38; 93 P Brannigan 35:16; 99 P Cook 35:52; 101 D Tweed 36:23; 115 S Galloway 38:25; 134 P Ehrhardt 43:11; 135 P Marshall 44:01; 147 D O'Neil 48:56; 150 I Stansfield 1:00:00.


The previous Wednesday had seen Alistair Rhodes-Dawson put in a storming performance to finish 3rd at the inaugural Piethorne Fell Race near Newhey. This new race, organised by Rochdale Harriers in memory of Mike Sadula, was a 4.5 mile circular course featuring 900 feet of ascent.
Ben Mounsey of Calder Valley won in a time of 33:50 ahead of team mate Gavin Mulholland. Alistair crossed the line in 38:48, with Scott Lapish making a return to racing in 13th. Three Harriers then crossed the line in quick succession with Dan Taylor, Derek Donohue and James Riley finishing in 18th, 21st and 24th respectively.

Pilgrim's Cross | Saddleworth 6 | Worsthorne Moor

A handful of Harriers took part in the Pilgrim’s Cross Fell Race at Holcombe last Wednesday. The 6 mile race which includes 1100 feet of climb was won in 37:36 by Calder Valley’s Karl Grey, 3 seconds ahead of Bury’s Mark Shakeshaft in a 200 strong field.
Sean Carey completed the course as first under 16, and 9th overall in a time of 40:16. He was followed in by Jon Wright in 18th, Andrew Horsfall and Paul Burnett. James Riley rounded off the Todmorden entries in 94th and 1st v35.

At the same time, three other Todmorden runners were also racing 6 miles, but with fewer hills to contend with, on the roads of Greenfield for the increasingly popular Saddleworth 6 which attracted 272 runners this year. Sale’s Gareth Raven won in 29:07 a few seconds ahead of previous winner Andi Jones of Salford.
First Harrier to finish was Richard Butterwick in 41:02, followed by Bohuslav Barlow in 47:15 and the evergreen Ian Stansfield in 1:03:09, knocking 5 minutes off his time from two years earlier.

On Sunday, several Harriers made the short trip for the Worsthorne Moor fell race. The fast 7 mile race takes in 900 feet of climb as it circles the moor, skirting Cant Clough and Hurstwood reservoirs.
Clayton le Moors’ Gary Shaw won the race in 41:48 in another close finish, just 4 seconds ahead of Blackburn’s John Sutton.
First Harrier to finish was Dan Taylor who continued his progress in his first year with the club, stopping the clock in 50:40. Mick Craven was next to finish just ahead of Sarah Warburton, who took the 3rd place ladies prize. Jeremy Godden and Peter Ehrhardt were Todmorden’s other finishers.

Crow Hill | Whittle Pike | Cliviger 6

Many Todmorden Harriers turned out to assist race organiser Clive Greatorex for the Crow Hill fell race at Mytholmroyd last Tuesday. The 5 mile race, featuring 1000 feet of ascent was run in a reverse route this year.
Chris Smale won the race in a time of 31:15, ahead of Calder Valley Fell Runners’ Gavin Mulholland and Steve Smithies.
First Harrier to finish was Paul Hobbs in 14th place, followed by Paul Burnett and Derek Donohue. Sarah Warburton finished 3rd lady and 53rd overall with Emma Osenton in 71st.


The following evening saw Sarah May win the ladies category in the 4½ mile Whittle Pike Fell Race at Cowpe as the club made a strong showing. Calder Valley’s Alex Whittem won the race overall in a time of 41:10.
Andrew Wrench was the first Harrier to finish in 4th place and 1st Vet40. Sean Carey won the under18 category, as he knocked 2½ minutes off his time form the year before, and finished 6th overall. Andrew Horsfall narrowly missed out on a win in the vet45 by just 7 seconds with Dave Collins 2nd vet50.

Todmorden Results: 4 Andrew Wrench 42:19; 6 Sean Carey 43:52; 9 Alistair Rhodes-Dawson 45:51; 16 Andrew Horsfall 47:29; 17 Dave Collins 47:49; 20 Paul Brannigan 48:09; 27 Paul Burnett 49:41; 38 Sarah May 50:49; 45 Darren Tweed 51:58; 57 Dan Taylor 53:36; 59 James Riley 53:47; 113 Richard Leonard 1:00:56; 124 Peter Marshall 1:03:33; 137 Mel Siddall 1:09:39; 141 David O'Neill 1:11:19; 154 Ian Stansfield 1:36:04.


On Sunday, it was the road championship that was the centre of attention as 21 Harriers made the short trip for the Cliviger 6 mile road race. Starting at Mount Lane Sports Field the runners had a steep uphill start, followed by a long downhill towards Burnley before turning into Towneley Park. An undulating return via the main Todmorden road followed with a short final climb up Red Lees Road.
The race was won by Marc Hartley of Staffordshire Moorlands AC, repeating his performance of last year. First Todmorden Harrier to finish was Andrew Wrench who was just edged into 3rd place in the final few paces, winning the Vet40 prize in the process. Paul Brannigan continued his rapid return to form, finishing in 16th with Dave Collins in 26th.
Sarah Glyde timed her run to perfection as she overhauled Claire Duffield just before the line to finish 7th female overall and 2nd Vet35. Mel Blackhurst finished 1st vet40 and Moyra Parfitt was 1st vet60.

Todmorden Results: 3 Andrew Wrench 34:37; 16 Paul Brannigan 37:55; 26 Dave Collins 39:22; 38 Mark Anderton 40:49; 51 Darren Tweed 41:51; 58 Richard Butterwick 42:43; 60 Martin Stork 42:53; 65 Phil Cook 43:58; 75 Sarah Glyde 44:41; 76 Claire Duffield 44:47; 83 Mel Blackhurst 45:37; 88 Kevin Coughlan 46:12; 104 Peter Marshall 50:14; 109 Lucy Hobbs 50:59; 112 Richard Blakeley 52:05; 118 Moyra Parfitt 53:49; 119 Melanie Robertson 54:07; 126 David O'Neill 57:02; 127 Barry Chapman 57:06; 129 Philip Southwell 59:13; 140 Ian Stansfield 1:07:45.

Turnslack

Todmorden’s Andrew Wrench triumphed at the Turnslack fell race on Saturday after a race long battle with Calder Valley’s Shaun Godsman. The tough 8 mile course features over 2000 feet of ascent and is considered one of the most testing of the local fell races with several streams, stiles and moorland bogs to negotiate. With the race featuring in Todmorden’s Fell Championship this year, there was a strong turnout of 23 Harriers amongst the 100 strong field.
Starting from Calderbrook Church the runners soon turned off the Pennine Bridleway and climbed over Turn Slack Hill before making a long gradual climb up to Trough Edge End. They then turned for home with a steep descent via Ramsden Wood Reservoir before a tough climb over Ramsden Hill. An air of déjà vu followed as another sharp descent was followed by yet another demanding climb up Noon Hill. It was then all downhill across the moor and through head high bracken back to the church yard.
After tracking Godsman on the final climb, Wrench comfortably pulled away on the descent to take the win by 25 seconds in 1:09:40. Dave Collins was next Harrier to finish in 8th place overall and first Vet50. Paul Hobbs and Ben Crowther then assisted the club into 2nd placed team behind Clayton le Moors.
Calder Valley’s Jo Buckley was in a class of her own, as she won the ladies race, finishing well ahead of Middleton’s Ginny Willey and Calder teammate Sharon Godsman. Sarah Glyde was first Todmorden lady in 4th, followed by Louise Abdy in 5th and first Vet45. Emma Osenton was the next Harrier to cross the line to hand the ladies team prize to Todmorden.
The result has moved Andrew Wrench up to the top of the club’s Fell Championship, to add to his lead in the Road and Grand Prix tables as he looks towards a potential clean sweep of club trophies this year.

Todmorden Results: 1 Andrew Wrench 1:09:40; 8 Dave Collins 1:18:45; 18 Paul Hobbs 1:21:15; 23 Ben Crowther 1:22:00; 30 Jeff Walker 1:24:34; 31 Kevin Booth 1:25:00; 33 Darren Tweed 1:25:17; 36 Simon Galloway 1:25:55; 43 Phil Cook 1:28:19; 50 Phil Hodgson 1:34:40; 57 Richard Leonard 1:36:20; 59 Mick Craven 1:36:50; 63 Sarah Glyde 1:39:46; 69 Louise Abdy 1:40:44; 70 Peter Marshall 1:40:52; 72 Peter Ehrhardt 1:41:36; 77 Emma Osenton 1:44:15; 80 Elise Milnes 1:45:54; 82 Richard Blakeley 1:49:25; 83 Chris Drinkwater 1:54:10; 88 Dave O'Neill 1:56:18; 89 Mandy Goth 1:58:22; 91 Barry Chapman 1:59:29.

Widdop | Cuerden Valley Badger 10k

On Wednesday several Todmorden Harriers entered the Calder Valley Fell Runners organised fell race at Widdop. The 7 mile moorland route features over 1200 feet of climbing as it winds its way around Gorple and Widdop reservoirs.
Dave Collins was first Todmorden man home in 19th place overall, the same position that he finished the year before, but this time knocking over 2 minutes off his previous time to cross the line in 57:57 and finish 2nd Vet50. Paul Burnett was next Todmorden finisher in 25th place at 59:43, with Jeff Walker completing the course in 1:03:55. Emma Osenton was the first Todmorden lady to finish in 1:16:10.

The following evening saw the next round of the Harrier’s Road Championship, with the Cuerden Valley Badger 10k multi terrain race at Bamber Bridge. Organised by local runner Clare Kenny for Lancashire Wildlife Trust, this was the third of four races that are held monthly over the summer and it attracted over 150 runners.
In addition to road and tracks, runners also had to contend with fields, hills, stiles and the odd patch of mud. Andy Buttery of Rossendale won the race in a time of 35:40. First Todmorden runner to finish was Andrew Wrench who was just edged out on the line by Richard Howarth of Horwich as they battled for second place. Paul Brannigan continued his return to form to finish in 21st place. The next Harrier to finish was Phil Cook, who was the only one to brave both the Widdop race and this one on consecutive nights. This took the men’s team into 3rd place.
Sarah Glyde led the way for the Todmorden ladies, followed by Mel Siddall and Bev Wright to also take 3rd placed team.

Todmorden Results: 3 Andrew Wrench 36:27; 21 Paul Brannigan 41:06; 54 Phil Cook 46:36; 58 Sarah Glyde 47:15; 73 Melanie Siddall 50:02; 77 Beverley Wright 50:59; 88 Peter Marshall 52:41; 107 Paula Haworth 55:58; 118 David O'Neill 57:47; 148 Ian Stansfield 1:09:29.

Stoodley Pike Fell Race

The shortest of Todmorden Harriers’ Fell Races took place last Tuesday and Calder Valley’s Alex Whittem celebrated his first win over the speedy 3.5 mile course. Starting adjacent to Lumbutts Mill the runners quickly climbed the causeway stones and continued past Withens Gate and along the Pennine Way to Stoodley Pike. A nerve testing steep descent to London Road followed, before a fast flat return to the finish at the Top Brink Inn. For the first time in many years the race experienced rain instead of its usual legendary blue skies and finishers quickly retired to inside the Inn for refreshments and the presentation afterwards.
Whittem took an early lead and held it to the end despite the quality pursuit from James Logue and Chris Smale. The men’s team prize went to Calder Valley Fell Runners.
Todmorden’s Sarah May won the ladies race, with teammate Claire Duffield in 3rd place just behind Clayton’s Tracy Mitchell. Calder Valley also looked on course to take the ladies team prize, with 5th, 6th and 7th places. However, Laura Sutcliffe just edged out Janette Dowling to be the ladies 3rd counter for the team prize, propelling Todmorden to the prize.
The race once again attracted some of the North’s top young fell runners with 4 of the top 16 runners aged under16 years old. Todmorden’s Sean Carey took the category win, and finished an excellent 4th overall, ahead of 8th placed Joseph Crossfield and 12th placed Bradley Traviss, both of Halifax Harriers. Rossendale’s Elliot Wylie finished in 16th overall with club mate Sam Walsh finishing first U18.

Todmorden Results: 4 Sean Carey 20:56;19 Paul Burnett 23:16;31 Peter Bowles 24:19;34 Sarah May 24:49;52 Dan Taylor 25:47;63 Claire Duffield 26:23;100 Ray Poulter 29:56;108 Laura Sutcliffe 30:44;109 Jeanette Dowling 30:49;117 Paula Haworth 32:17;120 Mandy Goth 33:10;127 David O'Neill 36:03;139 John Newby 47:40.

Todmorden Triathlon | Howgills 10 | Cragg Vale Fell Race

In addition to the usual running, Todmorden Harriers donned their swimming goggles and hopped on their bikes for the Todmorden Triathlon organised by Calderdale Tri Club on Sunday. A 400m pool swim at Todmorden Sports Centre led onto a 20k cycle ride up the valley towards Burnley, turning up Mount Lane for a steep climb and returning back to Todmorden, for a 2 lap 5k run around Centre Vale Park.
In the relay event Simon Anderton led off on the swim handing over to Andrew Horsfall for the cycle and Andrew Wrench then set the fastest run time of the day to win the relay category. In the individual standings, Jon Wright set a similar time to the relay team. Mark Anderton and Simon Galloway both fared well, setting respectable times. Karen Gray was the Harriers sole female entrant and paced herself well, with a strong run to finish 2nd Female40. Dan Taylor completed his first triathlon ahead of his predicted time and Ian Stansfield rounded off the Todmorden entries in the main event. Lizzie Wrench, Emily, Edward and Jack Galloway, Rachel and Sarah Brierley had earlier taken part in the junior events.

Also on Sunday, six Harriers joined a 100 strong field for the inaugural Howgills 10 mile Road Race in the Yorkshire Dales. Starting from Sedbergh the route followed a hilly rural route through the Lune Valley and the Howgill hills, with picturesque views of the Lake District.
Mel Blackhurst was first Todmorden lady and John Metcalfe first Todmorden male. Rachel Henthorne set an excellent time as she returned to fitness after injury, followed by Myra Wells, Barry Chapman and David Henthorne.

Last Wednesday, several Harriers took part in the popular Cragg Vale Fell Race, a 4 mile circular route with 800feet of ascent. First Harrier to finish was Sean Carey in 10th, with Paul Hobbs 12th and Peter Bowles 14th, just losing out to Halifax Harriers for the team prize.
Bingley’s Sue Becconsall won the ladies race with Todmorden’s Lucy Hobbs finishing 3rd lady, just 3 seconds behind Calder Valley’s Claire Hanson after a close battle. Sarah Warburton followed just behind to finish 4th lady. Louise Abdy finished 8th lady to help take the ladies team prize for Todmorden.
In the preceding junior races, Jack Crummet finished 3rd in the under 10’s and Isaac Rhodes-Dawson recorded a 4th place in the under8’s, with his brother Noah in 7th.

Trawden 7 | Nice Ironman Triathlon

Andrew Wrench was victorious at the Trawden 7 mile multi terrain race on Sunday. The race, which was the latest counter towards Todmorden Harriers Road Championship, attracted a good turnout of 14 Harriers in the hot humid cloudy conditions.
Starting from Trawden recreation ground the route took runners down to Laneshawbridge before a long climb up the old herders’ road in the direction of Haworth. After 4 miles on the road, they turned off onto a stony farm track descending into Wycoller. A brief riverside section then led to final climb on the road, before the dash across the recreation ground field to the finish.
Andrew Wrench had a well controlled run from the front and crossed the line comfortably ahead of the next runner. Second Harrier to finish was Phil Cook, with Andrew Bibby hot on his heels.
Keighley & Craven’s Amy Green was first female, with Sarah Glyde first Todmorden lady to finish as 5th female overall. Mel Blackhurst and Elise Milnes were next to finish as Todmorden tussled with Clayton le Moors for first ladies team.

In similarly hot conditions, three Harriers were in Nice for the Ironman France Triathlon on Sunday. A 3800m sea swim was followed by a 180km cycle, and finished off with a full marathon on a 4 lap promenade course.
Phil Hodgson exited the swim first of the closely matched trio in a time of 1:24:54, over 3 minutes ahead of Emma Osenton, with John Preston a further 90 seconds back. Emma demonstrated the value of a perfect transition as she overhauled Phil and started the cycle ride a few seconds ahead of him.
Emma used her strength in the middle event to open up the gap and another fast transition saw her start the marathon run 31 minutes ahead of Phil, with John Preston trailing 7 minutes behind.
At the end of the first lap of the run John had started to close the gap on those ahead, and managed to overtake Phil by the end of the 2nd lap. The tough 3rd lap saw John and Emma slowing as Phil revived slightly.
Going into the last lap of the run Emma’s lead over John had been cut to just 11 minutes, with Phil 5 minutes behind John. Despite a tremendous effort from John, Emma managed to find the strength to pick her pace back up and crossed the line in a total time of 13:13:08 followed by John in 13:14:50. Phil continued to speed up right to the end, and recorded his fastest run lap to cross the line in 13:16:22.
Whilst the three will be looking forward to a well earned rest, particularly Emma for whom it was her 2nd Ironman event within the past month, several Harriers are now looking ahead to next Sunday’s, thankfully shorter, Todmorden Triathlon organised by Calderdale Tri Club - www.calderdaletriclub.co.uk

Midsummer Madness | Jane Tomlinson 10k

Ben Crowther finished a very credible third in the Midsummer Madness three day series organised by Calder Valley Fell Runners. The series is made up of three races held on consecutive days.
The action started on Friday evening with the Wicken Hill Whizz a tough 1000feet climb up from Mytholmroyd to the Sheepstone trig point and back down, all within the space of just 3 miles. After reaching the summit in 12th place, Ben managed to gain two places on the decent to finish in 10th. David Baldaro also had a fine descent finishing in 14th and with Phil Cook and Clive Greatorex in 25th and 26th, Todmorden finished 2nd team on the night.

The start venue moved to Chiserley, above Hebden Bridge, as Saturday dawned with the prospect of the navigational challenge of the 7 mile Reservoir Bogs where the checkpoints to visit were only revealed on the day and runners had to find their own way between them. Ben was again the first Harrier to finish in 8th place.

The final challenge on Sunday was the Tom Tittiman, a short 4 mile dash up and down the hill of the same name, which was won by the in-form James Logue, of Horwich RMI, in a new course record. Ben Crowther rounded off the weekend with 11th place, which placed him 3rd of those runners that had completed all three events.
Phil Cook finished next Todmorden runner in the Tom Tittiman, followed by Lucy Hobbs 3rd lady overall and Laura Sutcliffe.


Todmorden Harriers had five runners amongst the 10,000 at the Jane Tomlinson 10k in Leeds on Sunday. First Harrier to finish was Rachel Henthorne in a time of 55:12, just over a minute ahead of husband David. Laurence Bristow complete the distance in 1:04:34 followed by Katy Moore, 1:05:19 and Ian Stansfield in 1:06:01.

Hebden Bridge Fell Race

Hebden Bridge was the venue for the Todmorden Harriers organised fell race on Sunday. The 5.8 mile route started from Calder Holmes Parks and wound its way up Erringden Moor to Stoodley Pike before circling round and returning to the park. Once again the race was blessed with blue skies and sunshine and attracted a record turnout of nearly 80 runners, including many unattached and first time fell runners.
James Logue of Horwich RMI comfortably won the race for the 2nd consecutive year, in a time of 44:46, just over a minute outside his own course record that he had set last year. Adam Breaks was the first of many Calder Valley Fell Runners in 2nd place, nearly 3 minutes behind, with another Horwich runner, Stuart Edmondson in 3rd place.
Sean Carey was the first Harrier to finish in an excellent 4th place. Paul Brannigan continued his return to form in 10th and Darren Tweed edged out Dan Taylor to finish 3rd Todmorden runner.
Whilst the men’s team prize was easily won by Calder Valley, the ladies prize was a much closer affair. Jo Buckley, who also finished 13th overall in a time of 53:40 to take the win. Todmorden’s Lucy Hobbs found the course to her liking to finish 2nd lady, followed by Calder’s Sharon Godsman and then Todmorden’s Lauren Jeska in quick succession. The race was then on for the 3rd counter to finish and it was Calder’s Claire Hanson who clinched the prize. The Mytholmroyd based club also added prizes for the men vet40, Andy Clarke and ladies vet40, Gillian Wisbey.

Todmorden Results: 4 Sean Carey 49:21; 10 Paul Brannigan 52:13; 26 Darren Tweed 56:57; 28 Dan Taylor 57:23; 36 Lucy Hobbs 59:18; 38 Lauren Jeska 60:01; 52 Kevin Coughlan 63:39; 68 Louise Abdy 69:49; 76 Graham Milnes 78:19; 77 Myra Wells 92:42; 78 Laurence Bristow 94:11.

The next Todmorden Harriers’ event is the ever popular and well supported Stoodley Pike Fell Race which takes place on Tues 7th July 2009 at 7.30pm from the Top Brink. The race is a 3.5mile fast and furious dash up to the monument before dropping steeply down to London Road and returning. Profits from the race are donated to local charities and full details can be found on the website www.todharriers.co.uk

Stretton Hills

Todmorden Harriers’ were faced with a change of terrain as the English Fell Championships made a rare foray south to the West Midlands for the second round in the six race series. Church Stretton was the base for the Stretton Hills Fell Race, a 5.75mile short circular course. Whilst he surface underfoot was somewhat smoother and quicker than the tussock moorland more usually encountered in Calderdale, there were still plenty of familiar misty hills to conquer with the race taking in 2500 feet of ascent and descent.

With separate races for the men and women, the ladies were first up and Todmorden put in a strong performance with Sarah May finishing in 13th place. Philippa Jackson of Keswick won the race in a time of 54:12 to add to her win at the Half Tour of Pendle. Lauren Jeska and Kath Brierley had a close battle finishing in 26th and 27th places respectively, only three seconds apart, which lifted the Todmorden ladies to an excellent 3rd place team overall on the day, and into 4th place in the Championship Table after the first two rounds. Sarah May is now the highest placed Todmorden lady in the individual standings and lies in 21st place.
Todmorden Ladies Results: 13 Sarah May 1:01:55; 26 Lauren Jeska 1:05:48; 27 Kath Brierley 1:05:51; 49 Melanie Blackhurst 1:12:39

The heavy rain that had affected the ladies race eased only slightly for the men’s race an hour later, where Pudsey and Bramley dominated the first three places with Rob Hope’s time of 44:37 setting him clear of John Heneghan and Danny Hope.
Andrew Wrench and Jon Wright ran a close race, with Wrench edging ahead at the end to finish first Harrier in 24rd place overall and 4th vet40. Jon Wright is highest placed Todmorden runner in the overall standings after two rounds and now lies in 14th overall in the English Championship. Dave Collins was the next Harrier home in 68th and 7th vet50, which moved him up 10th place in the vet50 championship standings.

Todmorden Mens Results: 23 Andrew Wrench 50:52; 24 Jon Wright 50:57; 68 Dave Collins 57:07; 72 Andrew Horsfall 57:36; 115 Kevin Booth 1:03:03; 122 Daniel Taylor 1:04:05; 141 James Riley 1:06:35; 182 Peter Marshall 1:17:23; 186 Peter Ehrhardt 1:20:23.

Duddon Valley | Hendon Brook

Todmorden Harriers’ had two tough challenges to tackle in last weekend’s hot sunshine. On Saturday the club’s Fell Championship visited Duddon Valley in the Lake District for the epic 18 mile fell race that incorporates over 6000 feet of ascent and descent as it travels around the head of the valley over the peaks of Harter, Hardknott, Little Stand, Swirl How, Dow Crag, White Pike and Caw.
Craig Stansfield was first Harrier to finish, in just under 4 hours. Kath Brierley was first Todmorden lady ahead of Rachel Skinner and Chris Preston.
Todmorden Results: 74 Craig Stansfield 3:59:34; 111 Kath Brierley 4:21:19; 130 Rachel Skinner 4:30:08; 133 Christine Preston 4:31:13; 138 James Riley 4:36:35; 139 David Wilson 4:37:52; 159 Kevin Booth 4:54:34; 176 Mick Craven 5:05:18; 196 Mandy Goth 5:33:18; 200 Louise Abdy 5:35:48; 204 Helen Hodgkinson 5:45:27.


The second championship race of the weekend was on Sunday, with the 25th anniversary of the Hendon Brook 13.5mile Road Race near Nelson. The race, which helps raise awareness of and funds for Holly Grove Special School, attracted a bumper turnout for the occasion. It once again delivered good weather to live up to its nickname of ‘the hot one’, adding to the enjoyable challenge of the very hilly course.
The performance of the day came from Moyra Parfitt, who knocked an incredible 5 minutes off the ladies v60 course record on a day when many runners recorded slower than normal times.
After cycling across to the race, Phil Cook judged the course and weather perfectly to finish 5 minutes ahead of Duncan Ritchie to take the honour of first Todmorden finisher. First Todmorden lady to cross the line was Mel Blackhurst, finishing just ahead of Claire Duffield after a race long battle.
Todmorden Results: Phil Cook 1:50:56; Duncan Ritchie 1:55:42; Mel Blackhurst 1:55:49; Claire Duffield 1:57:27; Kevin Coughlan 2:00:46; Peter Ehrhardt 2:03:18; Richard O'Sullivan 2:06:31; Richard Butterwick 2:16:00; Moyra Parfitt 2:16:24; Helen Wilson 2:16:54.

The Harriers’ next summer fell race takes place on Sunday June 14th, with an 11 o'clock start from Calder Holmes Park. The 6mile strenuous circular route takes runners over Erringden Moor to Stoodley Pike. Further details can be found on the club’s website www.todharriers.co.uk

Lanzarote Ironman Triathlon | Hellvellyn

Two Todmorden Harriers travelled to the volcanic island of Lanzarote at the weekend, but there was no time for relaxing in the sun as a 3800m swim, followed by a 122km mountainous cycle ride and then a full marathon run lay ahead for 1300 competitors in the Lanzarote Ironman Triathlon.
Simon Anderton completed the sea swim in 1:14:32 with Emma Osenton 5 minutes behind, before a strong cycle section of 6:28:27 put Emma 50 minutes ahead of her teammate and with a 4:39 marathon run Emma completed the course in 12:52:32 to finish 9th in her age category. Simon’s 4:09 in the marathon closed the gap and he crossed the line in 13:05:13.

Travelling a little less far, but still enjoying warm sunshine were the Harriers that took part in the 11 mile Helvellyn Fell Race. Starting from Bram Crag farm the race climbs extremely steeply up before a long undulating ridge run to the summit and back, finishing with a breath taking descent that tests runners’ nerves and endurance.
First Todmorden Harrier to finish was John Preston in 2:20:43, followed by Dan Taylor 6 minutes later and Chris Preston, taking 3rd ladies V40, a further 4 minutes later. Peter Ehrhardt completed the distance in 2:42:04.

Geoff Doggett Littleborough 5k | Eyam Half Marathon | Great Manchester Run | Blackstone Edge | Old Counties Tops | Keswick Triathlon

Todmorden Harriers’ Road Championship was the centre of attention last week with two races in five days. The undulating Geoff Doggett Memorial 5k Race in Littleborough on Tuesday, which was bathed in pleasant evening sunshine, enticed 37 Harriers including some of the club’s junior runners.
Willy Smith of Keighley and Craven won the race in a time of 15:20 ahead of previous winners Ian Grime and John Brown. Jon Wright was the first Harrier over the line in 7th place, and together with Andrew Wrench and Nick Barber, in 13th and 14th, Todmorden finished as 2nd men’s team.
The ladies went one better with Lauren Jeska, Claire Duffield and Lucy Hobbs taking the ladies first prize.
Todmorden Results: 7 Jonathan Wright 17:03; 13 Andrew Wrench 17:27; 14 Nick Barber 17:40; 23 Sean Carey 18:45; 28 Paul Brannigan 19:05; 32 Duncan Ritchie 19:17; 37 Dave Collins 19:42; 42 Dan Taylor 20:00; 47 Roger Haworth 20:21; 50 Darren Tweed 20:29; 54 Lauren Jeska 20:43; 57 Phil Hodgson 20:59; 59 Phil Cook 21:06; 65 Andrew Bibby 21:20; 67 Claire Duffield 21:30; 70 Lucy Hobbs 21:40; 85 Sarah Glyde 22:25; 91 Melanie Blackhurst 22:41; 97 Bev Wright 23:01; 100 Helen Hodgkinson 23:15; 106 Peter Ehrhardt 23:32; 108 Peter Marshall 23:49; 112 Helen Wilson 24:00; 126 David Wilson 24:48; 132 Moyra Parfitt 25:28; 133 Ray Poulter 25:29; 135 Richard Blakeley 25:42; 139 Mandy Goth 26:05; 142 Jeremy Godden 26:11; 148 David Henthorne 26:34; 151 Rachel Henthorne 26:47; 158 Myra Wells 27:29; 165 David O'Neill 28:29; 169 Derek Clutterbuck 29:17; 179 Joseph Brannigan 30:40; 180 Ian Stansfield 30:45; 181 Skye Wilson 35:27.


The second road championship race of the week was on Sunday, when 450 runners gathered for the tough hilly Eyam Half Marathon which snaked its way around the picturesque Peak District scenery where Nick Barber continued his current good spring form to finish 20th in a time of 1:27:39. Andrew Bibby was the next Harrier to finish with Roger Haworth just pipping Todmorden’s first lady Mel Blackhurst.
Todmorden Results: 20 Nick Barber 1:27:39; 114 Andrew Bibby 1:41:25; 160 Roger Haworth 1:45:40; 161 Melanie Blackhurst 1:45:55; 191 Kevin Coughlan 1:48:43; 207 Lauren Jeska 1:50:16; 443 Ian Stansfield 2:38:59;


Also Sunday, three Harriers joined the 33,000 runners for the Great Manchester Run and all put in excellent performances, despite a tough headwind in the second half of the race. Duncan Ritchie was hot on the heels of Haile Gebrselassie to finish in 210th place overall in a time of 39:22, Dan Taylor continued with his progress in his first year at the club in 362nd place, improving his personal best time to 40:44, and Kerry Edwards finished in 44:10 to be 74th female.


On Wednesday evening several Harriers swapped their usual weekly club social run to tackle the Blackstone Edge Fell Race, this year attracting a more modest field of 90 following its selection as an English Championship race last year. Ian Holmes of Bingley won in a time of 28:55. Sean Carey was the first Todmorden runner home a couple of minutes behind and in 7th place overall, taking the Under 16 prize ahead of a strong challenge from Joseph Crossfield of Halifax Harriers. Alistair Rhodes-Dawson in 18th and Martin Roberts in 25th, and 3rd Vet50, were the next Todmorden runners to follow him in. Lauren Jeska finished 2nd lady and Sue Roberts 1st lady Vet45.

Chris Preston and Claire Duffield had a successful day out in the lakes on Saturday, at the Old Counties Tops Fell Race, where they finished first ladies pair. This classic 37 mile epic, features over 10,000feet of ascent as it takes in the 3 highest peaks of the former Lake District counties: Helvellyn (Westmoreland), Scafell Pike (Cumberland) and Coniston Old Man (Lancashire).

Cold conditions for the Keswick Triathlon, also on Saturday, meant the planned 750m swim in Derwentwater was shortened slightly but competitors still had the 35km bike ride around the Lakeland hills and a 10km run to follow in showery blustery conditions. First Todmorden entrant to finish was John Preston 3 minutes ahead of both Simon Galloway and Sarah Warburton, who was 3rd lady. Phil Hodgson completed the course a minute further back and Kath Brierley set a respectable time as she enjoyed her first triathlon despite the unfavourable conditions.

Flower Scar Fell Race | The Fellsman | Mytholmroyd Fell Race | Pendle's Clough | Fred Whitton

The first of Todmorden Harriers’ series of summer fell races began with the Flower Scar Race, incorporating 1400 feet of ascent and descent and a wide variety of terrain into its short 4 mile distance. With free entry and a tough but enjoyable course the race is a growing hidden gem in the fell calendar.
In mild and dry conditions the 102 runners set off with a dash across Todmorden High School’s playing field before beginning the relentless climb up to Flower Scar Hill on grassy paths, muddy tracks and open moorland. After turning at the summit the route plunges down into the valley and traverses back to the start, with a short sting in the tail climb above Robinwood to test tiring legs.
Todmorden’s speedy postman Alex Whittem quickly established a lead from the start over Calder Valley teammate Steve Smithies and gradually extended it during the race to cross the line one and a half minutes clear in a time of 30:34. First Todmorden Harrier to finish was Sean Carey in 4th place after a well judged run. Alistair Rhodes Dawson and Nick Barber followed in 8th and 9th places. The club was well represented in the top twenty with Paul Burnett, Dave Collins and Paul Brannigan all placing well. First Todmorden lady was Lauren Jeska as 3rd lady behind Wigan Phoenix’s Deborah Wright.

Ultra distance event The Fellsman, a 60 mile plus fearsome undertaking in any conditions was all the tougher this year with gales, torrential rain and hail showers to contend with. A trio of Todmorden tough guys – Rhys Watkins, Colin Duffield and Jeff Walker - battled their way around the Yorkshire Dales to complete the course, achieving a time of just over 20 hours.

Dave Collins was close to recording a 2nd win of the year on Sunday, at the Mytholmroyd Fell Race after the leading group of runners went slightly astray. However the leaders quickly rejoined the optimum line, leaving Dave to settle for an excellent 6th place. Dan Taylor finished in 34th place, having set a 5k PB at Salford the previous day, and Lucy Hobbs was 52nd, also winning the ladies 3rd prize, with Mick Craven finishing in 59th.

Helen Hodgkinson added another ladies 3rd prize at the Pendle’s Clough navigational fell race at the weekend.

A sizeable group of Harriers hopped on their bikes for the Fred Whitton Challenge, a gruelling 112 mile sportive cycle ride around the Lake District taking in several steep mountain climbs and exhilarating descents. With unfavourable windy conditions, and rain and hail showers, Emma Osenton had an exceptionally strong ride to finish as 4th lady, and 155th overall, in time of 7 hours 11 minutes just 20 minutes behind the ladies winner. Sarah May was next to finish, as 7th lady followed by Keith Parkinson.

Stuc a’ Chroin | Coiners Fell Race

At the British Championship race at Stuc a’ Chroin, James Riley was the sole Todmorden representative to make the long journey to Perthshire for the extremely tough and boggy 14mile route that included over 5000 feet of ascent. In a high quality field, and with occasional sleet showers, James was rewarded with a time of 3:22:21 and 214th place.

Closer to home, on Monday, a Todmorden quartet joined the field for Calder Valley Fell Runners’ Coiners Fell Race. Starting from Mytholmroyd the route is a 7.5 mile tour of Coiners’ country on paths, tracks and moorland, taking in Erringden Moor, Stoodley Pike and Bell House Moor and passes by the old coiners cottages of Bell House and Keelam.

The race was won by former Harrier Chris Smale in 47:51, with Nick Barber putting in an excellent top ten performance to finish in 52:13. Next Harrier home was Derek Donohue in 59:08. Clare Duffield battled hard with Michelle Dew of Rossendale throughout the race to finish in 60:55, just missing out on a top three ladies finish on the line. Mick Craven rounded the Todmorden entries off in 63:12 to take the men’s team into 5th place.

Three Peaks Fell Race | London Marathon

It was a weekend for the long distance specialists as Todmorden Harriers tackled two of the country’s highest profile running events off and on the road.
First up on Saturday was the Three Peaks Fell Race in the Yorkshire Dales. The 24 mile circuit starts from Horton-in-Ribblesdale and passes over the summits of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough adding up to a total ascent, and descent, of 5300 feet.

Rob Jebb of Bingley Harriers won this year’s race which attracted 700 starters, followed by Ellenborough’s Ricky Lightfoot and Karl Gray of Calder Valley, all of whom broke the 3 hour mark.
First Todmorden runner to finish was Andy McFie who completed the course in 3 hours 57 minutes, breaking under the 4 hour mark that had narrowly eluded him in the previous two attempts. Next over the line was Derek Donohue who overtook Kath Brierley on the final climb of Ingleborough and held the advantage to the finish.

Todmorden Results: 114 Andy McFie 3:57:25; 243 Derek Donohue 4:17:32; 261 Kath Brierley 4:21:50; 316 Richard Gilbert 4:30:06; 390 Paul Cotton 4:42:15; 506 Alistair Chant 4:57:25; 574 Karen Gray 5:18:51



On Sunday, six Harriers joined the masses for the London Marathon. First to complete the 26 mile course was Mel Blackhurst in a time of 3 hours and 36 minutes. A trio of John Medcalf, Chris Preston and Rhys Watkins followed in quick succession a further 7 minutes back. Richard O’Sullivan and Laura Sutcliffe completed the Todmorden contingent.

Todmorden Results: Melanie Blackhurst 3:36:02; John Medcalf 3:43:10; Christine Preston 3:43:11; Rhys Watkins 3:43:27; Richard O'Sullivan 3:53:49; Laura Sutcliffe 4:20:01

Caldervale 10 | Anniversary Waltz

Todmorden Harriers swopped Calderdale for Caldervale on Good Friday for the latest round of the club’s road championship. Six Harriers took part in the undulating Caldervale Country 10 mile race near Garstang in a 250 strong field. Matt Nuttall of Blackburn Harriers set the pace and won in a time of 55:01.
First Harrier to finish was Dan Taylor, who rounded off a busy week with his 4th race and was rewarded with 65th place and a time of 1:10:19, with Jeff Anderson next over the line. A close three-way battle ensued throughout the race with Mel Siddall edging ahead of Bev Wright and Peter Ehrhardt, with less than 30 seconds separating them at the end. Barry Chapman completed the Todmorden contingent.
Full Todmorden Results: 65 Dan Taylor 70.19; 120 Jeff Anderson 76.57; 149 Mel Siddall 81.06; 152 Bev Wright 81.23; 153 Peter Ehrhardt 81.35; 228 Barry Chapman 99.48.


On Saturday, 18 Harriers set off from Stair Village Hall in the Lake District on the Anniversary Waltz Fell Race. The scenic 11 and a half route covers the Newlands Valley Horseshoe taking in several summits including Robinson, Dale Head and Catbells giving a total ascent of over 3,600 feet. Morgan Donnelly of Borrowdale won the race in a time of 1:35:59.
First Harrier to finish was Martin Roberts in 100th place and a time of 2:07:36, with James Riley, Derek Donohue and Mark Harris a further 10 minutes back. Kath Brierley was first Todmorden lady to finish a few seconds later, with Chris Preston and Lucy Hobbs following on.

Pendle | Ampleforth Legwarmer Triathlon

Twelve Harriers took part in the short and steep Pendle Fell Race on Saturday. Cramming a total ascent, and descent, of 1500 feet into its four and a half mile length the race is a fast and tough workout. The Ladies team were once again successful with Claire Duffield, Helen Hodgkinson, Moyra Parfitt and Paula Howarth making up the winning quartet.

Simon Galloway was first over the line in a time of 42:23, with Claire Duffield 40 seconds further back to take 5th place in the women’s standings. Moyra Parfitt finished first lady vet60 to add to the prize haul.

There was also success for Todmorden Harriers growing band of triathlon enthusiasts at the Ampleforth Legwarmer Triathlon this weekend. A competitive field of 200 gathered near Helmsey for the inaugural event, which was a British qualifier for this year’s age group European Championships.
Sarah May and Sarah Warburton both recorded wins in their respective age categories with Chris Preston 7th in her category.
Sarah May, competing under Monmouth Triathlon Club’s flag, exited the 750m pool swim in 23rd place, but after recording the fastest time over the two lap 39k cycle route had moved up the standings, and a quick second transition put her within 22 seconds of the lead. After a solid performance in the 10k run she was rewarded with a tremendous 3rd place in the women’s standings.
Further down the field three Harriers were having an exciting battle all of their own. Sarah Warburton exited the pool swim ahead of John Preston, before Phil Hodgson moved ahead of the pair by the end of the cycle section. The run then turned things on their head as John Preston led the trio in across the line, all finishing within 2 minutes of each other.

Midgeley Moor | Bradford 10k | Coniston 14

Chilly conditions returned on Saturday for the Midgeley Moor Fell Race. Starting from Booth above Luddenden Foot the runners had to navigate across pathless heather moorland, leading to a variety of routes being chosen between the checkpoints and much debate over the best lines.
Matt Speak of Dark Peak won in a time of 37:49, trumping local Calder Valley runners Karl Gray and Shaun Godsman.
Calling on his excellent navigational skills once again, first of the ten Todmorden Harriers to finish was Dave Collins in 25th place in a time of 47:40, with James Riley three minutes behind. New signing Richard Gilbert finished a further three minutes back, in a time he will surely beat next year, after recently moving to the area.
Jane Leonard was the first Todmorden lady, and won the vet50 category outright, after a strong finish.

The weekend also saw another handful of Harriers spread far and wide with Rachel and David Henthorne posting respectable times in the Bradford 10k. Meanwhile in the Coniston 14 John Preston, Chris Preston and John Medcalf enjoyed beautiful Lakeland views as they circumnavigated Coniston Water.

Fiendsdale | Burnley 10k

Todmorden Harriers had a full weekend with races featuring in both the club’s fell and road championships taking place.
First up, on Saturday, was the Fiendsdale fell race with a 7.5 mile route that took in 2,500 feet of ascent and descent. Sunny skies greeted the race which was restricted to a select field of 100 entrants.
Danny Hope of Pudsey and Bramley was in a class of his own, setting a new course record of 1:03:57, on his way to a win by almost 6 minutes. First Todmorden Harrier to finish was Alistair Rhodes-Dawson with a solid performance to take 8th place. Dave Collins continued his rich vein of form with another vet50 win, and 13th place overall.
The ladies were not to be outdone with Lauren Jeska and Kath Brierley finishing 5th and 6th ladies, after a close nip and tuck battle throughout the race with just 3 seconds between them at the line. Jane Leonard won the vet50 category and together the trio took the ladies team prize.

Todmorden Results: 8 Alistair Rhodes - Dawson 1:13:07; 13 Dave Collins 1:17:34; 40 Roger Howarth 1:25:22; 50 James Riley 1:27:43; 53 Lauren Jeska 1:27:56; 54 Kath Brierley 1:27:59; 68 Jane Leonard 1:33:40; 84 Richard Leonard 1:39:27; 89 Peter Marshall 1:43:32.



On Sunday, the second round of the club’s road championship persuaded 26 Harriers to make the short trip to Burnley for Blessed Trinity Sports College’s well organised 10k race.
After a fast start past Turf Moor the 222 strong field climbed gradually past Townley Park, before turning back along Todmorden Road. A sharp climb up Mount Lane at the mid-way point punished those who had started too quickly and a further climb up Red Lees Road followed before a fast final 2 miles returned runners back to the finish. James Reed won the race in 33:16, a minute and a half ahead of the next runner.
With just over a minute separating the first 5 Harriers to finish, the men’s road championship is already shaping up to be extremely competitive this year. First to finish was Scott Lapish with a strong run in 20th, holding off Joe Stansfield to the end. Next Harrier over the line was David Baldaro, followed by Duncan Ritchie.
The ladies road championship is also looking to develop into an exciting battle, with Lucy Hobbs recording an outstanding performance to finish 3rd lady. Kerry Edwards also had an excellent day finishing 5th, and Bev Wright completed another winning performance for the ladies team.
Prizes also went to Moyra Parfitt, 1st ladies vet60 and Derek Clutterbuck, 1st vet75 on a day when several Harriers recorded personal best times for the distance, despite the hilly nature of the course.

Todmorden Results: 20 Scott Lapish 39:07; 23 Joe Stansfield 39:16; 28 David Baldaro 39:44; 30 Duncan Ritchie 40:12; 32 Richard Butterwick 40:25; 42 Dan Taylor 41:41; 57 Lucy Hobbs 43:28; 58 Keith Parkinson 43:32; 70 Kerry Edwards 44:31; 71 Darren Tweed 44:31; 81 Paul Brannigan 45:17; 110 Beverley Wright 47:34; 124 Elise Milnes 48:53; 128 Peter Ehrhardt 49:10; 138 Paula Haworth 50:09; 155 Moyra Parfitt 51:37; 161 Helen Hodgkinson 52:48; 177 Julie Wyant 54:12; 184 David Henthorne 55:27; 186 Mandy Goth 55:43; 187 Barry Chapman 55:46; 188 Rachel Henthorne 55:50; 198 Myra Wells 58:08; 203 Rachel Allen 59:03; 204 Derek Clutterbuck 59:04; 205 Graham Milnes 59:38.

Windmill's Whizz | Haworth Hobble | High Peak 40

Dave Collins recorded an historic win at the Windmill’s Whizz fell race at Ogden Water on Saturday. It was no surprise that Todmorden Harriers supplied the winner of this 7 mile circuit of Ovenden Moor, with Chris Smale having triumphed in two of the last three years, but Collins was an unexpected winner after a sizeable number of the front runners had taken a wrong turning as a result of a directional sign that had been interfered with.
Proving that fell running requires sharp mental skills in addition to speed and strength, Collins who had won the Vet50 prize the year before, sportingly had tried to call runners back after they had gone astray from the route. He then progressed on his way and crossed the line to enthusiastic cheers as he realised he had won the race outright this year.


Meanwhile on the moors above Haworth, Hebden and Todmorden, many Harriers were tackling the 33 mile Haworth Hobble. The race that started and finished in Haworth, can be entered either as a pair or solo, and attracted a quality field of over 250 entrants as it formed the latest ‘short’ round in the 2009 UK Ultra Running Championship Series. Jon Wright continued his excellent current form over the longer distances with 4th place in a time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, just 15 minutes behind winner Jez Bragg.
Sue Roberts and Elise Milnes, who knocked one and a half hours off her previous attempt, finished as the first female pair and Chris Preston finished as 6th solo lady, 1 second behind Calder Valley’s Clare Kenny.


The previous weekend had seen four Todmorden Ladies take on the High Peak Marathon, a 42 mile loop around the Derwent watershed in the Peak District. With a start from Edale just before midnight, much of the boggy route is covered through darkness. Battling against wind, rain and drizzle, competitors also found that the approach of daylight did little to improve visibility with much of the higher ground shrouded in clag.
The team, competing as Tod Totty, made up of Mandy Goth, Kath Brierley, Rachel Skinner and Emma Osenton completed the epic event in a time of 14 hours and 39 minutes.
Another team featuring Harriers’ Jon Wright and Rhys Watkins recorded the 13th best time, but after losing one member early on were not eligible for the overall ranking.

12 mar 09

The opening race of the English Fell Running Championships on Saturday saw three Todmorden Harriers finish in the first forty, as they looked to build on previous years’ achievements.
Despite several absences due to illness and injury the club still provided 30 of the 400 entrants who lined up for the Half Tour of Pendle. After a fast dash from the start at Barley, the nine mile race quickly climbed up to, and over, the summit of Pendle Hill to the first checkpoint. With the forecast rain holding off until most had finished, visibility was good, allowing for spectacular views for those that had time to glance at them. A long steady descent followed with alternative routes being taken down to the second checkpoint at the Nick o’ Pendle. The course then turned and headed towards Churn Reservoir, where a sharp climb took runners onto Spence Moor.
The highlight of the day was the precipitous descent down to Ogden Clough, which gave the downhill specialists an opportunity to gain several places. With numerous spectators looking on, runners hurled themselves down the seemingly near vertical grassy slope, with many slipping and sliding their way down to the stream crossing at the bottom. The final small climb of the day ensued, before the run in to the finish across boggy fields.
Most of the elite contenders for this year’s overall crown were in attendance, with a close battle resulting in the first seven runners finishing within two minutes of each other. Bingley’s veteran Ian Holmes eventually triumphed ahead of Pudsey and Bramley’s John Heneghan and Rob Hope.
First Harrier to finish was Jon Wright in 28th place, with Sean Willis and Chris Smale coming in together about 30 seconds behind. In the veteran categories Sean placed 10th V40 and Chris 2nd in the V45. First V50 Todmorden finisher was Dave Collins.
First Todmorden lady was Lauren Jeska in 25th, followed by Clare Duffield in 28th. Lucy Hobbs continued her progress finishing in 38th to propel the ladies team into 5th place.

Full Todmorden Results: 28 Jon Wright 1:09:57; 36 Sean Willis 1:10:25; 37 Chris Smale 1:10:27; 93 Alistair Rhodes-Dawson 1:17:17; 105 Andrew Horsfall 1:18:19; 119 Dave Collins 1:19:09; 146 Nick Barber 1:22:12; 147 Scott Lapish 1:22:17; 157 Martin Roberts 1:23:20; 187 Ben Crowther 1:25:47; 214 Joe Stansfield 1:28:23; 219 Simon Galloway 1:28:47; 221 Phil Hodgson 1:29:00; 224 Lauren Jeska 1:29:26; 230 Claire Duffield 1:30:00; 250 Richard Gilbert 1:32:14; 254 James Riley 1:32:25; 256 Lucy Hobbs 1:32:31; 266 Jeremy Godden 1:33:06; 270 Phil Cook 1:33:34; 285 Christine Preston 1:36:02; 297 Melanie Blackhurst 1:37:16; 307 Richard O'Sullivan 1:38:45; 314 Richard Butterwick 1:39:05; 316 Kevin Coughlan 1:39:13; 340 Peter Marshall 1:43:16; 361 Dan Taylor 1:49:13; 365 Sue Roberts 1:50:32; 366 Peter Ehrhardt 1:51:02; 382 Derek Clutterbuck 2:11:58.

Noon Stone Fell Race

The Noon Stone Fell Race attracted a large field of 251 hardy runners to Todmorden on Saturday. Whilst the morning mist had lifted considerably by the start at 12 noon, grey and cloudy skies remained throughout in perhaps the kindest weather experienced for several years. However, with the 9 mile race incorporating a total of 2,300 feet of ascent and a sizeable unmarked navigational section, it was still a serious undertaking.

Starting from Mankinholes, the race quickly rose up the first steep climb of the day to Coldwell Hill, before plunging back down to London Road losing much of the 600 feet height just gained. The route then immediately climbed back up past Stoodley Pike and then down again to Withens Clough. The third and longest gradient of the day took the strung out field across pathless open moorland and bog to the highest point of the race at the Little Holder Stones. After very briefly following the Pennine Way from Warland Reservoir runners were soon back onto rough ground as they descended over Langfield Edge. The final short climb of the day then took them back up to Coldwell Hill and a steep testing decent returned them to the finish at Mankinholes.

The early pace was set by Calder Valley’s Shaun Godsman and Alex Whittem, as they opened up a small lead on the first climb with Sheffield University’s Callum Gilhooley and Todmorden Harriers’ Sean Willis leading the chasers.

Whittem initially took up the lead on the muddy descent to London Road as Willis was dropped from the leading group. As the race progressed further a two way battle ensued between Godsman and Gilhooley, with the Sheffield student looking favourite as he opened up a small gap in the latter stages. However the local man’s experience showed in the run in as he went one better than last year, crossing the line in 1:11:15, to take the win by 7 seconds, with Whittem ultimately finishing a further minute behind in 3rd place.

First Harrier home was Willis in 6th closely followed by Chris Smale in 7th, taking 1st and 2nd in the Vet40 category respectively. The men’s team prize went to Calder Valley Fell Runners edging out Todmorden.

Zanthe Wray of Sheffield University quickly established herself as first lady and a strong run all the way round ensured that she comfortably remained so to the finish, with a 4 minute advantage over her nearest rival Heather Dawe of Ilkley. First Todmorden lady was Kath Brierley in 6th overall and 2nd Vet40. Along with Emma Osenton and Helen Hodgkinson, Todmorden comfortably won the ladies team prize.

After the extensive prize giving, a Todmorden Harriers spokesman thanked the land owners for their help putting the race on, the landlord and staff of the Top Brink Inn for their excellent hospitality throughout the day, and the many volunteer marshals and other helpers.

26 feb 09

Todmorden Harriers had further success this week with Chris Smale 1st V45, Sean Carey 1st U18 and Sarah May 3rd lady as 27 Harriers joined a record 400 strong field for the Ilkley Moor Fell Race on Sunday. The 5 mile race with 1300 feet of ascent and descent, which has a reputation for being demanding and not for beginners, took place in mild and breezy conditions.

The route started from Wells Road on the outskirts of the town and after a bottle neck past The Tarn, the runners soon spread out on the climb past the Cow and Calf Rocks. A further climb to the Pancake Stone was followed by a fast and tricky descent down Backstone Beck; before a bridge crossing and a long climb all the way back up the other side of the beck. After a level section interrupted with a short steep scramble, a further level section took the field to a longer steep ascent up to the Badger Stone at the highest point of the race. A fast descent followed before a sting in the tail final climb led onto a second fast plunge down the aptly named Weary Hill to the finish.

Ian Holmes of Bingley Harriers soon took up the lead and held it to take a comfortable win. Chris Smale was first Todmorden runner in 10th, closely followed by Andrew Wrench. Sean Carey finished in 16th winning the U18 prize, following on from his earlier win in the U16 junior races which themselves had attracted over 250 youngsters. Craig Stansfield made a promising debut for the Harriers with a solid run to finish 76th.

Sarah May was first Todmorden lady home, continuing her profitable start with the club. With Jo Waites of neighbouring club Calder Valley taking the ladies prize, Sarah had to settle for 3rd on this occasion. Lauren Jeska and Claire Duffield were the next Todmorden ladies as the team made a strong showing.

Todmorden results: 10 Chris Smale (40:37); 11 Andrew Wrench (41:00); 16 Sean Carey (42:29); 62 Dave Collins (46:37); 76 Craig Stansfield (47:52); 91 Martin Roberts (48:29); 95 Sarah May (48:58); 108 Simon Galloway (49:37); 114 Kevin Booth (50:02); 124 Nick Wigmore (50:52); 128 Lauren Jeska (51:11); 149 Claire Duffield (52:20); 156 Dan Taylor (52:47); 171 Andrew Bibby (53:46); 178 Jeremy Godden (54:07); 194 Peter Jackson (55:33); 202 Mick Craven (55:54); 211 Chris Preston (56:31); 262 Peter Marshall (59:20); 282 Kevin Coughlan (1:00:48); 297 Helen Hodgkinson (1:01:31); 306 Louise Abdy (1:01:57); 313 John Medcalf (1:02:32); 324 Sue Roberts (1:03:18); 333 Helen Wilson (1:04:54); 357 Barry Chapman (1:09:24); 387 Myra Wells (1:22:58).

Another race with a tough reputation for experienced fell runners only is the Harriers own Pennine classic, the Noon Stone Fell Race, which take place on Saturday 28th February. Details can be found on the club’s website www.todharriers.co.uk

19 feb 09

Todmorden Harriers continued their strong start to the year with two top ten placings and individual and ladies team winners at the weekend.
The opening race in the Harriers’ 2009 Road Championship was the Radcliffe Trail Race with barely a stretch of tarmac in sight. The race makes its way through an area of rejuvenated Lancastrian industrial heartland to the south of Bolton, following nature trails, former railway lines and canal paths.
As with previous occasions when the race has been included in the championship, it tempted some of the club’s runners who are more usually associated with success on the fells, as well as newer members making their debut in a championship race. With the recent thaw, conditions underfoot were very muddy and made for sapping progress around the 12 mile course for the 220 finishers.
Jon Wright was first Todmorden finisher in 4th place less than a minute behind the winner, Wilmslow’s Damien Nicholls. Andrew Wrench was 2nd Harrier across the line in 8th place followed by Sarah May who had a tremendous run to finish 27th overall, and first lady overall. Along with Lucy Hobbs and Bev Wright, this meant that the club comfortably took the honours for first ladies team.

Todmorden results: 4 Jonathan Wright 1:14:51; 9 Andrew Wrench 1:19:49; 27 Sarah May 1:26:49; 38 Duncan Ritchie 1:30:15; 46 Kevin Booth 1:31:43; 79 Mick Craven 1:36:57; 81 Lucy Hobbs 1:37:40; 84 Dave Collins 1:38:12; 86 Dan Taylor 1:38:37; 95 Richard O'Sullivan 1:41:03; 122 Gareth Vickers 1:45:24; 135 Beverley Wright 1:47:43; 142 Jeremy Godden 1:49:09; 144 Helen Wilson 1:49:52; 153 Elise Milnes 1:52:27; 163 Melanie Siddall 1:55:10; 171 Paula Haworth 1:56:59; 214 David Henthorne 2:13:15; 215 Rachel Henthorne 2:13:15; 217 Derek Clutterbuck 2:23:51.

12 feb 09

Whilst the wintery weather caused the postponement of Todmorden Harriers’ AGM last week, there was no interruption to the running, with the club revelling in alpine landscapes over the weekend.
Under normal conditions Calder Valley’s Wadsworth Trog and Half-Trog fell races, starting from Old Town Cricket Club, are both tough undertakings, but with deep drifts of snow over the moors they required considerable extra effort this year.
The Half Trog follows a figure of eight route through High Brown Knoll to Cock Hill and returns via Wadsworth Moor. Lee Athersmith of Bingley matched his result of the previous year, albeit 20 minutes slower due to the tough conditions, edging out Shaun Godsman of the host club. First Todmorden runner was Peter Bowles in 15th place, closely followed by Paul Cotton in 18th and Lee McCluskey in 25th.
Whilst the snow and sunshine made for picturesque views, it also increased the navigational difficulty and after last year’s ladies winner Lisa Lacon had gone astray on the return leg, Todmorden’s Lucy Hobbs headed the ladies field in her first attempt at the race from Holmfirth’s Jacqui Dews, before she suffered her own route difficulties that put her out of contention, allowing a Holmfirth one-two as Lisa Lacon recovered to 2nd place. With Todmorden taking 3rd place with Chris Preston, 4th Helen Hodgkinson and Elise Milnes in 7th they narrowly lost out on the ladies team prize.
The 20 mile full Trog with a total of 4000ft of ascent, equivalent to climbing Ben Nevis, follows a similar course at the start and finish but with an additional middle section of 11 miles taking in Top Withens. Bingley’s Rob Jebb blazed a trail from start and held a comfortable 8 minute advantage over Calder Valley’s Adam Breaks at the finish.
First Todmorden finisher in 59th was Kath Brierley who had made steady progress through the field to cross the line as 6th lady. Jeff Walker and Rhys Watkins were the Harriers’ other finishers.

Jon Wright continued his bright start to the year finishing joint first in the 25 mile Rombald’s Stride on Sunday. The challenge walk over Baildon & Ilkley Moors and Otley Chevin, organised by Airedale scouts, is open to runners and walkers. This year’s inviting conditions attracted over 350 entrants, with Bev Wright and Colin Duffield also competing.

At the aptly named Winter Hill fell race also on Sunday, Todmorden’s Andy McFie and new club member Dan Taylor tackled the 11 mile looping course that climbs to the summit three times to total 2,700 feet of ascent. The icy conditions proved a blessing in some ways as the normally boggy route was firmer than usual allowing for fast progress to be made, with Simon Bailey of West Mercia taking a narrow win over Darren Kay of Horwich.

5 feb 09

Todmorden Harriers narrowly missed out on a top three place in the Pennine Bridleway Relay on Sunday by just 3 seconds, after over 5 hours of racing in strong icy winds with occasional snow flurries.
The final major fell relay race of the winter covers a full circuit of the 47 mile Mary Townley Loop and attracted a record 84 teams of 10 runners to tackle the near 7000 feet of climbing along the way. The distance is split into 5 legs which are each run by a pair of different runners.
Starting at Waterfoot, the first leg follows the trail to Holme Chapel before a ‘sting in the tail’ climb to the finish near Coal Clough, that was made all the harder by the tough weather conditions. Chris Smale and Sean Willis made the perfect start and headed the field at the first changeover, with a 14 second advantage over 2nd placed Rossendale. Jon Wright and Andrew Wrench took over for the 12.5 mile second leg, much of it straight into the cold easterly headwind, after which the team had lost the lead to Rossendale at the changeover at Callis Bridge.
The third leg saw Calder Valley take up the lead as Todmorden slipped back to third place, with team captain Andrew Horsfall and Alistair Rhodes-Dawson maintaining the challenge. After the shortest leg from Calderbrook, Dave Collins and Ben Crowther kept the team in third, as the overall lead switched back to Rossendale. The final leg back to Waterfoot saw Horwich RMI, with Todmorden resident James Logue and teammate, make dramatic progress through the field from 6th position and in a desperate dash for the finish Andy McFie and Nick Barber were split by the Horwich pair to cruelly lose out by the narrowest of margins.
Despite the disappointment on the line, this was the best team performance for some years and reflects the growing strength of the club.

The Ladies team also put in a strong challenge for honours and battled throughout with local rivals Calder Valley and Rossendale. With Rossendale leading after leg 1, Todmorden leapfrogged Calder Valley with a strong 2nd leg by Sarah May and Lauren Jeska to take the lead, before Calder Valley took pole position on the following leg which they then held to the finish. After Rossendale had closed the gap on leg 4, ladies team captain Mel Blackhurst and Lucy Hobbs ran a strong final leg to comfortably ensure 2nd place but were unable to close the gap on the leaders.

Matching that performance were the Men’s B team, who also finished as 2nd placed open B team, with new club ‘B’ records set by Simon Galloway and Mark Anderton on leg 3, and David Baldaro and Peter Bowles on leg 4. That helped the team to an excellent 23rd place overall.

Todmorden also had two further teams competing, and after the mixed team had held the advantage in the first two legs, the Z team then took up the initiative for the next two legs before the mixed team edged out the Z team on the final leg by 4 minutes and 2 places, finishing in 57th overall.