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
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