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.
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