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.