The Hot Toddy Road Race 2010

Whilst many races were cancelled due to the wintery weather Todmorden Harriers’ Hot Toddy Road Race took place on Monday.

Even an early morning snowfall that turned to sleet did not deter over 250 runners tackling the hilly course. Starting from Todmorden town centre, the race travelled up Rochdale Road, turning at Walsden Post Office for a long steady climb up to the Shepherd’s Rest.

The race quickly developed into a two way battle between David and Matt Proctor of Rochdale Harriers.

A slushy descent via Woodhouse Road took them to Halifax Road and a return back to the finish, with David edging the victory by just 2 second from his brother in a fast time of 29:22. John Brown of Salford Harriers finished in 3rd place, with Salford also winning the men’s team prize.

The ladies race was also a close contest with Anna Lupton of Radcliffe AC crossing the finish line in 34:15, just six seconds ahead of Rotherham’s Nicola Squires.

Sean Carey was the first Todmorden runner to finish in 19th place with Dwane Dixon in 25th and Martin Stork 46th.

Maria Prescott was the first Todmorden lady in 119th – winning the 2nd v45 prize – with Hatty Nylan in 155th just ahead of Mel Robertson in 167th. Moyra Parfitt won the v65 category prize. The ladies team prize was won by Stainland Lions who had sent a 33 strong contingent to the race.

Todmorden Results: 19 Sean Carey 34.12; 25 Dwane Dixon 34.42; 46 Martin Stork 36.47; 83 Darren Graham 39.46; 87 Peter Clarke 40.05; 88 Richard Butterwick 40.07; 119 Maria Prescott 42.58; 141 Kevin Coughlan 44.35; 155 Hatty Nylan 46.23; 167 Melanie Robertson 47.05; 183 David Leslie 48.58; 192 Graham Milnes 49.52; 197 Moyra Parfitt 50.17; 201 Julie Wyant 50.34; 237 Myra Wells 57.57; 239 Kathy Bridger 58.35.


Keith Parkinson's Hot Toddy Pics...

Steve Bateson's Hot Toddy Pics...

and a Royton video...

Whinberry Naze

The Stoop | Lynne Edmondson Cowm Reservoir 4.2

Todmorden Harriers took to the hills again at the weekend with the snow and ice making for some challenging running.

Eleven Harriers made their way to a very cold and misty Penistone Hill Country Park at Howarth for The Stoop Fell Race.

For the second consecutive year the 5 mile course was slightly shortened but they still had 1200 feet of ascent to contend with, in the well below zero conditions.

Martin Roberts was the first Harrier to finish in 48th, with Dan Taylor in 59th and Phil Hodgson 74th.

Sue Roberts made it a family double as she narrowly finished first Todmorden lady in 146th, with Elise Milnes and Maria Prescott hot on her heels. 

Photo by Julie Wyant

Todmorden Results: 48 Martin Roberts 38:08; 59 Dan Taylor 39:19; 74 Phil Hodgson 41:16; 81 Darren Graham 41:46; 123 Richard Blakeley 46:09; 145 Graham Milnes 50:02; 146 Sue Roberts 50:20; 147 Elise Milnes 50:23; 150 Maria Prescott 50:36; 162 Louise Abdy 52:16; 164 Mandy Goth 52:53.

David Brett's Stoop Photos...

Paul Wood's Stoop Photo's outbound...  and on return...



By contrast, blue skies and sunshine greeted a trio of Todmorden runners at Cowm Reservoir for the 4.2 mile Lynne Edmondson Memorial Race.

The compacted snow meant it was heavy going on the two lap course, particularly on the climbs of the longer second loop.

James Riley finished in 10th to take the honour of first Harrier, in a time of 32:29, with Richard Butterwick crossing the line in 37:05 for 23rd place.

Myra Wells celebrated her 50th race of the year by finishing in 50th place, winning the first LV50 prize in the process, in a time of 49:07.

Steve Bateson's Cowm Pictures...


The Hot Toddy 5.8mile road race takes place on Monday December 27th.  Alternatively, there is a mile-long fun run which follows an off-road route close to Todmorden town centre. The Hot Toddy starts at 11am and the fun run gets underway at 10.30am.


Registration once again takes place at the Todmorden Working Mens Social Club on Halifax Road[map]. Advance entries have now closed, but entries are accepted on the day.


All finishers, over 18 years old, will be rewarded with a hot toddy drink at the Social Club, where the prizegiving presentation will also take place after the race.

Further details are on the club’s website http://www.todharriers.co.uk/

Todmorden Harriers 2010 Presentation Evening

Todmorden Harriers’ annual presentation evening took place at Todmorden Cricket Club, on Saturday, as the club celebrated an extremely successful year.

Outgoing club president Jim Smith handed over to new president Graeme Wrench, as they made a joint presentation to mark Lauren Jeska and Moira Parfitt’s gold medal winning performances in the English Fell Championships.

Phil Hodgson then proposed a toast to two former Todmorden Harriers who had sadly passed away during 2010, Brian Hargreaves and John McDonagh. A memorial 5k race in their honour is to be held in Littleborough, organised by Andy O’Sullivan, on Sunday 27th February 2011.

Phil then continued to give a review of the year, highlighting the many successes of both individuals and teams, particularly in the English Championships where, in addition to the individual gold medallists, all of Todmorden’s teams had improved their positions from the year before.

Club Chairman Mandy Goth then announced the winners of the club competitions, with awards being handed out by Graeme Wrench.

Jon Wright was awarded the men’s Fell Champion Trophy, with Lauren Jeska receiving the ladies Fell Champion Trophy.

Age category awards were also made to Andrew Horsfall (v45), Dave Collins (v50, Peter Ehrhardt (v60) and Richard Blakely (v65). Kath Brierley (lv45) and Jane Leonard (lv50) were category winners for the ladies in the fell championship.

Nick Barber was crowned club Road Champion, with Mel Blackhurst adding her name onto the Ladies Road Trophy once again.

Age category awards in the road championship went to Mark Anderton (v45), Nigel Hanson (v50), Peter Ehrhardt (v60), Ian Stansfield (v65), Mel Robertson (lv45) and Elise Milnes (lv50).



The Grand Prix Champion, awarded for performance on road and fell, went to Jon Wright. Dave O’Neill received a tankard to mark his 10th qualification for the Club Grand Prix.

Nick Barber was crowned Club Champion, a trophy that reflects all round ability on the road and fells at a range of short, medium and long distances.

Not surprisingly, Nick was also awarded the ‘Most Improved Runner of the Year’ award to reflect the effort and progress he has made this year.

On a less athletic front, Nick was also awarded the ‘Toilet Seat’ trophy which is awarded to the Harrier who has the most running related mishaps during the year.

Club Secretary Derek Donohue then stepped in to make the final award of the evening, that of ‘Clubman of the Year’ which is voted for by Harriers on the evening. This year it was presented to Graeme Wrench to reflect the enormous contribution he makes as club coach towards the improvement of its runners at all levels.

Wesham 10k

Todmorden Harriers 2010 Club Road Championship reached a dramatic climax at the Wesham 10k on Saturday, as Nick Barber snatched the trophy from yearlong leader Martin Stork.
Seventeen Harriers travelled across to a chilly Fylde Peninsular to join 436 runners for this popular undulating race.
Nick Barber, who was attempting his first 10k road race, stuck to his race plan to finish in 12th place, in a time of 34:44.
Martin Stork ran a personal best time for the distance in 37:58 and 38th place, to finish the year in 2nd place in the Championship.
Sarah May completed the course in 38:54 to claim the prize for second female and 55th overall, with Mark Anderton finishing in 62nd.
After Richard Butterwick finished in 114th, Mel Blackhurst crossed the line in 147th, and 21st lady, to confirm her as the Ladies Road Champion.

Todmorden Results: 12 Nick Barber 34:44; 36 Martin Stork 37:56; 55 Sarah May 38:54; 61 Mark Anderton 39:37; 114 Richard Butterwick 43:11; 143 Melanie Blackhurst 44:47; 178 Richard Blakeley 46:01; 209 Elise Milnes 48:11; 224 Peter Ehrhardt 48:47; 231 Melanie Robertson 49:01; 236 Bev Wright 49:25; 287 Mandy Goth 52:33; 301 Wayne Morrison 53:28; 322 Moyra Parfitt 54:03; 339 Graham Milnes 55:05; 352 Myra Wells 55:52; 369 Barry Chapman 58:06.

SportSunday Pics...

Steve Bateson's Pics...

Shepherds Skyline Fell Race | Lancaster Half Marathon

Todmorden Harriers final fell race of the year took place on Saturday, with the six mile Shepherd’s Skyline taking place under blue skies and autumnal sunshine.

283 runners tackled the 6.25 mile course from the Shepherd’s Rest Inn. The route started with a stiff climb up to Langfield Edge, then along the skyline to the Pike. A steep descent down to and along London Road led to a second tough climb back up to the ridge. After the retracing their footsteps back to Langfield Edge, the final descent took them back to the finish at the Inn.

Pic by Keith Parkinson

After missing the race last year, Bingley’s Ian Holmes continued his incredible record in the race, with his eighth victory in his last eight attempts. Holmes had warmed up by cycling to the race and crossed the line in 40:26 having been tracked all the way by Ilkley’s Tom Adams who was only 14 seconds behind at the finish.

Alistair Rhodes-Dawson improved his time by two minutes from 12 months ago to be the first Todmorden runner in 14th place. Dave Collins was the next Harrier to finish in 36th, and 3rd v50, with Paul Hobbs just edging out Shaun Pickard.

Pic by Keith Parkinson

Holmfirth’s Lisa Lacon finished first lady in 52:51 ahead of Laura Kent from CLC Striders in 54:01.

Sarah Warburton was Todmorden’s first lady, and 6th overall. Jane Leonard finished 2nd v50 and was followed in by Emma Osenton.

Todmorden Results: 14 Alistair Rhodes-Dawson 46.51; 36 Dave Collins 50.15; 46 Paul Hobbs 51.34; 49 Shaun Pickard 51.49; 59 Peter Bowles 52.28; 68 Martin Roberts 53.3; 71 Martin Stork 53.54; 87 Dan Taylor 55.39; 120 Sarah Warburton 58.19; 123 Mick Craven 58.31; 141 Angus Barclay 59.47; 153 Peter Jackson 60.48; 170 John Preston 63.1; 175 Jane Leonard 63.19; 204 Johnny Medcalf 66.34; 221 Emma Osenton 67.45; 241 Karen Gray 69.37; 252 Sue Roberts 72.36; 270 Mel Robertson 80.43.


At the earlier junior races, which attracted a record 120 youngsters, Sophie Taylor finished 2nd in the under eight girls and Jack Crummett finished 2nd in the under twelves, despite losing a shoe in a muddy bog early on.

Shepherd's Skyline Picture Links...
Keith Parkinson | Myra Wells | Kevin | Mick Watson | Steve Bateson

On Sunday, Lauren Jeska put in an outstanding run at the Lancaster Half Marathon to finish in 11th place overall and first lady by over 5 minutes in a time of 1:18:35.

The Harriers next race is the 5.8 mile Hot Toddy Road Race, and Fun Run, on Monday 27th December 2011. Entries are now open and full details are at http://www.todharriers.co.uk/

Bronte Way Fell Race | Great Whernside Fell Race

Todmorden Harriers had a sizeable turnout for the Bronte Way Fell Race at Haworth on Sunday. The 8 mile race, which unusually follows a point to point route from Wycoller to Haworth, features over 1150 feet of climb and was the latest event in the club’s fell championship.
The race was won by Bingley’s Ian Holmes in a time of 51:52 ahead of his team mate Lee Athersmith in 53:12.
Shaun Pickard was the first Harrier to finish in 28th place in a time of 63:29, with Martin Roberts just behind 34th. Sarah Warburton was the first Todmorden lady crossing the line in 74:38, ahead of Maria Prescott and Elise Milnes.

Todmorden Results: 28 Shaun Pickard 63.29; 34 Martin Roberts 64.47; 71 Angus Barclay 72.08; 76 Peter Clarke 72.48; 85 Sarah Warburton 74.38; 106 Richard Leonard 78.28; 107 Maria Prescott 78.31; 127 Elise Milnes 81.4; 139 Jane Leonard 85.04; 142 Kevin Coughlan 85.28; 147 Graham Milnes 87.01; 149 Helen Hodgkinson 87.44; 151 Louise Abdy 88.03; 173 Julie Wyant 94.54; 179 Barry Chapman 96.47; 189 Kathy Bridger 107.43.

On Saturday, Holmes had also won the Great Whernside Fell Race at Kettlewell, with Todmorden’s Sean Carey in hot pursuit finishing in 3rd place less than a minute behind. Dave Collins finished in 28th, and 2nd v50, with James Riley in 46th and Dan Taylor in 61st.

Sport Sunday's Great Whernside Pics...

The Shepherd’s Skyline Fell Race takes place on Saturday, with entry on the day at the Shepherd’s Rest Inn on Lumbutts Road. The 6 mile senior race starts at 1pm, with junior races from 12 noon.

Withins Skyline Fell Race

Todmorden Harriers enjoyed a successful Sunday winning both the men’s and ladies team prizes at the Withins Skyline Fell Race at Haworth. Despite the sunny weather, there were still plenty of boggy sections to negotiate.

The 7 mile course headed out from Penistone Quarry to climb up to Oxenhope Stoop Stone. After a flat section across the moors passing Top Withins ruin the runners descended to Bronte Bridge and a steep climb back up past the waterfalls. They then returned to the finish with a final steadier climb taking the day’s total ascent past the 1000 feet mark.

The Harrier’s men put in a strong showing with 5 finishers in the top 20. Sean Carey, Andrew Wrench, and Nick Barber crossed the line in quick succession. Alistair Rhodes-Dawson and Dwane Dixon were not far behind.

The ladies took the team prize with Sarah May, Sarah Warburton and Jane Leonard – who was also first v50.

Todmorden Results: 8 Sean Carey 45.53; 10 Andrew Wrench 46.02; 11 Nick Barber 46.07; 16 Alistair Dawson 46.43; 18 Dwane Dixon 46.55; 53 Dave Collins 50.20; 72 Martin Stork 52.00; 98 Martin Roberts 54.18; 101 Sarah May 54.28; 150 Simon Gallaway 58.03; 157 Angus Barclay 58.54; 165 Sarah Warburton 60.01; 188 Peter Clarke 61.39; 195 Keith Parkinson 62.03; 198 Richard Leonard 62.19; 230 Jane Leonard 64.48; 236 John Metcalf 65.14; 240 Emma Osenton 65.30; 265 Elise Milnes 67.53; 280 Peter Ehrhardt 69.04; 281 Stuart Boulton 69.06; 287 Graham Milnes 70.09; 293 Maria Prescott 71.10; 296 Patsy Riley 72.18; 299 Sue Roberts 72.46; 309 David O'Neill 74.29; 315 Barry Chapman 75.16; 317 Mandy Goth 75.28; 322 Melanie Robertson 77.40; 326 Julie Wyant 78.52; 330 Shaun Pickard 79.20; 339 Myra Wells 81.35; 341 Kathy Bridger 82.42.

My Pictures...

Pictures on Woodentops...

Watergrove Reservoir 3m

Todmorden Harriers’ Ladies collected another team prize at the weekend at the Clare Ryder Memorial Watergrove Reservoir Race.

The 3 mile course started at Wardle with a climb up a cobbled road to the reservoir. After a half circuit of the reservoir, the route then turned into woodland and followed a twisting course around the other side of the water, with several gates to negotiate.

A grassy path across the dam led to a descent down the cobbles to the finish for the 122 runners that enjoyed glorious sunshine.

Richard Butterwick was the first Harrier to finish in 18th place.

Mel Siddall finished 4th lady, and 34th overall, just ahead of Bev Wright in 37th and Louise Abdy in 43rd, making up the winning team.

Myra Wells crossed the line in 54th just ahead of Mandy Goth in 55th to complete the Todmorden turn out.

Steve Bateson's Pics...

Langdale Fell Race

Todmorden Harriers’ Ladies Team picked up the team prize at the Langdale Horseshoe Fell Race on Saturday. Starting at Old Dungeon Ghyll the 14 mile route took in over 4000 feet of ascent as the runners made their way between the 7 checkpoints, including the summits of Esk Hause, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Pike O’Blisco.

Eleven Harriers completed the race in fine autumnal sunshine, with Alistair Rhodes-Dawson leading the way in 30th place out of over 350 runners in a time of 2:28:51. Paul Hobbs was next to finish in just under 3 hours.

The victorious ladies team was lead in by Kath Brierley in a time of 3:15:12, a few seconds ahead of Jane Leonard, with Ali Richards and Sue Roberts completing the winning quartet.

Todmorden Results: 30 Alastair Rhodes-Dawson 2.28.51; 113 Paul Hobbs 2.59.05; 176 Kath Brierley 3.15.12; 178 Jane Leonard 3.15.40; 230 Alison Richards 3.27.12; 251 Richard Leonard 3.30.12; 268 Andrew Bibby 2.36.49; 279 Sue Roberts 3.41.31; 323 Helen Hodgkinson 4.00.55; 324 Fiona Armer 4.03.12; 332 Mandy Goth 4.08.40.

Sport Sunday Pics...

Smarna Gora | Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay | Burnley Fire 7 | Ravenstones

Lauren Jeska travelled to Slovenia for the final race in the World Mountain Running Grand Prix at the weekend. The 10k Smarna Gora Race near Ljubljana featured two climbs but only one descent meaning over 2000 feet of ascent but only 1000 feet of descent with an uphill finish.

Austria’s Andrea Mayr, who already had an unassailable lead in the series, put on an outstanding display to lead from start to finish, winning in a time of 48:48. Despite suffering from illness in the days leading up to the race which nearly led to her withdrawal, Lauren completed the course in 54:23 to take 5th place on the day ahead of Anna Frost of New Zealand and fellow English runner Emma Clayton. This was sufficient for Lauren to finish the >world series in 2nd place marking another high point in her exceptional year.



Todmorden sent two teams to Brotherswater in the Lake District for the Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay on Sunday. The relay features 4 legs each run in pair over a total distance of 25 miles featuring 8500 feet of ascent and descent. Rain and wet conditions underfoot together with patches of cloud on the hill tops meant for a tough day out.

Borrowable left it late as they overhauled Pudsey & Bramley on the final leg to win by just 26 seconds in an aggregate time of 3:44:21, with Calder Valley finishing in 3rd place just under the 4 hour mark.
Todmorden Men’s team finished in 16th place and the ladies team were 10th ladies team.

Also on Sunday, twelve Harriers took part in the Burnley Fire 7 mile race which was a counter in the club’s Road Championship. The route started from the Fire Station, passing Turf Moor and climbing up past Towneley Park. After an undulating stretch along Todmorden Road the race turned up Red Lees Road for a final steep climb. The last 3 miles were then mainly downhill as the route returned to the fire station. Runners splashed their way around the course with torrential rain throughout.

Darren Tweed was the first Harrier to finish, ahead of Richard Butterwick and Mick Craven. First Todmorden lady was Maria Prescott followed by Mel Robertson and Mel Blackhurst, with Moyra Parfitt winning the v65 prize.



On Saturday, a handful of Harriers had the pick of the weekend weather at the Ravenstones Brow Fell Race. The 10 mile route featured over 1250 feet of ascent and though conditions underfoot were wet and muddy, including a deeper than usual stream crossing, there was at least dry and sunny weather overhead for the 71 runners.

Martin Roberts was the first Todmorden runner in 12th place, with James Riley in 19th and Angus Barclay in 38th. Louise Abdy finished in 57th and Sue Roberts in 63rd, being 9th and 10th ladies respectively.

Ron Hill 72nd Birthday 5k | Thieveley Pike Fell Race | Langdale Half Marathon

Eleven Todmorden Harriers joined over 300 runners at Littleborough on Thursday evening to celebrate the 72nd birthday of Ron Hill with the annual 5k race organised by Andy O’Sullivan.

Jon Wright finished in 6th place, and first v40, in a time of 16:36, a minute behind winner Andy Norman of Altringham. Martin Stork recorded a time of 18:53 to finish in 33rd just ahead of Paul Hobbs in 40th, making a rare appearance on the road, crossing the line at 19:11.

Emma Osenton was the first Todmorden lady in 23:49, followed by Mel Robertson stopping the clock at 24:48 and Bev Wright in 25:08.



Picture by Keith Parkinson

Steve Bateson's Ron Hill Birthday 5k Pics...
 

Todmorden Harriers turned out in force at the Thieveley Pike Fell Race on Saturday. The 4.25 mile route from Holme Chapel features over 1300 feet of ascent including a near vertical scramble up to Stone House Edge. After a brief respite, a further climb took them to a ridge traverse to the Pike. A steep descent tested the nerves before the final climb took them back to Stone House Edge and a rough descent led to the undulating finish along the Pennine Bridleway.



Andrew Wrench finished in 6th place to claim the v45 prize and Lauren Jeska finished in 12th and 1st lady. The ladies team once again won the team prize, with Claire Duffield 3rd lady and Maria Prescott 14th. Moyra Parfitt added a v65 win to another successful club outing.



Nick Barber finished less than a minute behind Wrench in 8th place, with Dave Collins in 30th and Paul Hobbs in 42nd amongst the 13 Todmorden finishers.

Steve Bateson's Thieveley Pike Pics...

Only two Todmorden runners travelled to the Great Langdale Half Marathon for the latest Road Championship counter. After Elise Milnes was forced to withdraw mid-way with an injury, Mel Blackhurst was the sole Todmorden runner, completing the hilly course in 1:46:37, finishing 2nd v45.

Garstang Half | Boggart Hole Chase 10k | Rombald's Romp | High Peak 40 | Cowm 5k

Robin Tuddenham warmed up for the Garstang Half Marathon on Sunday, by finishing in first place at the Heaton Parkrun on Saturday covering the 5k course in 16:48.

The relentless rain overnight on Saturday led to flooding on the half marathon course and the race was shortened to 11.75 miles with the Todmorden man finishing in 9th place in a time of 1:08:55.

Bohuslav Barlow and Ian Stansfield also completed the Saturday Parkrun at Heaton Park, whilst Richard Butterwick and Myra Wells plumped for the Oldham Parkrun. After leading for the first kilometre, Richard was unable to hold onto the lead to make it a double win for the club and had to settle for 2nd place.

Richard and Myra then took on the very wet Boggart Hole Chase 10k on Sunday at Moston. Richard completed the hilly course in 43:32 with Myra finishing just past the hour mark.

The Rombald’s Romp Trail Race took place on Saturday at Ilkley Moor. This is rather a unique race, in that the runners did not find out the course route until they arrived. Even the length was a mystery, knowing in advance only that it would be between 6 and 9 miles.

Harriers Julie Wyant and Darren Graham both completed what turned out to be just over seven miles in 1 hour 17 minutes.

Colin Duffield and Elise Milnes knew exactly how far they would be travelling, at the High Peak 40, a 40 mile ultra race that follows a circular route through the Peak District from Buxton. Colin completed the tough challenge in 8 hours and 26 minutes with Elise finishing in 10 hours 13 minutes.

On Wednesday, James Riley led the way for the Harriers at the Derek Howarth and Arthur Walsham 5k at Cowm Reservoir, held to celebrate the 80th birthdays of the two veteran athletes, both of whom are still racing. James finished in 15th place in a time of 19:55, half a minute ahead of Richard Butterwick in 17th place. Myra Wells finished in 56th and Ian Stansfield in 31:22.

Cowm Reservoir 4.2 | Hades Hill | Good Shepherd | Norland Moor

Todmorden Harriers' Road Championship was back on the agenda this week with the shortest of this year’s counters, the 4.2 mile multi terrain Graham Wright Cowm Reservoir Race at Whitworth on Wednesday.

After living with the early pace of Barnsley’s Shaun Dimelow, who won in a time of 23:23, Jon Wright had to settle for 2nd place in 24:00 with Nick Barber in 5th in 24:41. Paul Brannigan managed to edge in front of Martin Stork as they fought over 13th place to the end.

Mel Robertson was the first Todmorden lady to finish, followed by Myra Wells.

Tod results: 2 J. Wright 24:00; 5 N. Barber 24:41; 13 P. Brannigan 26:51; 14 M. Stork 26:52; 17 D. Tweed 27:45; 21 M. Anderton 28:35; 23 J. Riley 28:46; 31 R. Butterwick 30:07; 43 R. Blakeley 31:42; 67 Melanie Robertson 35:35; 71 N. Hanson 35:49; 74 P. Ehrhardt 37:22; 81 D. O'Neil 38:33; 91 Myra Wells 42:47; 96 I Stansfield 48:49; 98 J. Newby 56:48.


On the other side of the Whitworth valley, Sean Carey put in a strong performance on Thursday at the Hades Hill Fell Race. Organised by Harrier Derek Clutterbuck, the 5 mile route climbed up and over Brown Wardle Hill. After dropping down there was then a further climb to the top of Hades Hill, before a return via the same route to the finish near Lobden Golf Club.

Traditionally the race is the last evening fell race of the summer, and whilst held in pleasant warm sunny conditions, recent rainfall meant there were plenty of boggy patches to negotiate and it was heavy going underfoot at times.

Sean was in control from the steep start up Whitworth Rake, holding his lead throughout to cross the finish line in 34:18, 38 seconds ahead of Steve Smithies of Calder Valley. James Riley was the next Harrier to finish in 26th with Simon Galloway in 29th. Dan Taylor and Richard Butterwick completed the Todmorden men’s turnout in 43rd and 67th respectively.

Mandy Goth was the first Todmorden lady in 76th just ahead of Myra Wells in 78th.


On Saturday, the Good Shepherd Fell Race from Mythomlroyd featured in the club’s Fell Championship. The 14 mile route included over 2000 feet of ascent and runners experienced an unwelcome early drenching from a heavy shower as they climbed up from the start at Dauber Bridge through Spring Wood towards Stoodley Pike. After a loop passing around Withens Clough, a climb up to the Cloven Stone and along Warland Drain, they reached London Road for another climb towards Stoodley Pike again. A long descent into Cragg Vale led to the final climb of the day past Robin Hood Rocks and the long run into the finish at the Good Shepherd in Mytholmroyd.

Won by the host club’s Steve Smithies in 1:57:14, Darren Tweed and Peter Bowles led the Harriers home in 6th and 7th places. Mel Blackhurst was the first lady overall, and along with Jane Leonard and Sue Roberts they won the ladies team prize.

Tod results: 6 Darren Tweed 2:10:55; 7 Peter Bowles 2:12:03; 19 Clive Greatorex 2:19:15; 22 Mick Craven 2:23:29; 27 Melanie Blackhurst 2:27:10; 31 Richard Leonard 2:33:34; 32 Jane Leonard 2:35:59; 34 Richard Blakeley 2:40:50; 35 Paul Carruthers 2:44:11; 42 Sue Roberts 2:52:32; 43 Peter Ehrhardt 2:59:30; 46 Elise Milnes 3:09:03; 47 Moira Parfitt 3:09:06.



It was another local race on Sunday with Halifax Harrier’s Norland Moor Trail Race. The 6.3 mile route started at Copley and climbed through woodland for a circuit around the moor. After a steep descent, runners returned via the Calder riverbank for the run in to the finish.

Robin Tuddenham found the terrain to his liking and finished in 2nd place, and first v40, with Martin Stork and Martin Roberts both finishing in the top 15. After Dan Taylor had crossed the line, Mel Robertson took the honour of being first Todmorden lady ahead of Andrea Marshall.

Shelf Moor | Ben Nevis | Blackshaw Head | Alice's Run

Todmorden Harriers were celebrating two English Champions after this year’s final English Championship Fell Race at Shelf Moor on Sunday.

Picture by John Crummett

Lauren Jeska went into the race knowing that only a win would be sufficient to overhaul Olivia Walwyn’s 4 point lead, but also having to guard her position from Eyrie’s Jackie Lee and Calder Valley’s Helen Fines who were close behind in the standings.

A close battle ensued as first Lauren set the pace before Helen Fines took up the lead on the climb up and retained it for much of the race. In a sprint finish, Lauren managed to outpace Fines by 3 seconds to clinch the overall Ladies English Championship Gold Medal.

Minutes later, the club’s delight was doubled as Moyra Parfitt crossed the line to clinch the vet65 Gold Medal.

A sizeable turnout from Todmorden had made the trip to the Peak District for the 5.8 mile race and although they put in an excellent performance to finish 2nd team on the day, a win for Calder Valley meant Todmorden ladies finished just outside the medals in 4th place for their highest ever placing in the Championships. The Ladies v40 team also finished 4th veteran team.

Ladies Results: 1 Lauren Jeska 48.49 ; 7 Sarah May 53.56 ; 27 Claire Duffield 58.58 ; 30 Kath Brierley 59.24 ; 32 Sarah Warburton 59.47 ; 33 Rachel Skinner 59.52 ; 47 Emma Osenton 1.01.43 ; 55 Melanie Blackhurst 1.04.19 ; 62 Elise Milnes 1.07.00 ; 71 Fiona Armer 1.10.42 ; 72 Maria Prescott 1.10.54 ; 75 Moyra Parfitt 1.11.34 ; 76 Isobel Pollard 1.11.36 ; 80 Melanie Robertson 1.19.19.

Whilst the limelight was firmly fixed on the ladies, Todmorden’s men were well represented in the 2nd separate race of the day with Alistair Rhodes-Dawson leading them home in 45th and Dave Collins in 76th – to finish 8th in the overall v50 Championship standings - and Nick Barber in 92nd.

Men’s Results: 45 Alastair Rhodes-Dawson 48.01; 76 Dave Collins 51.21; 92 Nick Barber 52.53; 104 Martin Stork 54.07; 122 Paul Brannigan 56.30; 142 Lee McCluskey 1.00.24; 157 Richard Blakeley 1.03.29; 173 Peter Ehrhardt 1.11.19; 174 Graham Milnes 1.12.31; 175 Barry Chapman 1.13.52; 181 Ian Stansfield 1.55.03.


On Saturday, several Harriers were in Scotland for the annual Ben Nevis Mountain Race which attracted a world class entry of nearly 500 competitors. Jon Wright put in an outstanding run to finish in 4th place completing the 10 mile route up to Britain’s highest summit and back, in 1:43:29, to retain the Wallace Plaque for the highest placed police runner.

Andrew Horsfall finished in 99th, with first Todmorden lady Jane Leonard in 235th ahead of husband Richard Leonard. Mick Howard was the next Todmorden runner with Sue Roberts and Mandy Goth also successfully finishing the course.


Much closer to home on Saturday, several Harriers tackled the 5.5mile Blackshaw Head Fell Race. Featuring over 900 feet of climb, over 70 runners were headed by a close battle between Halifax’s Ben Crowther and Rossendale’s Brendon Taylor, who were separated by only 1 second at the finish.

The Todmorden runners were led in by Andy McFie in 14th place. Martin Robert edged out Mark Harris for 23rd and 25th respectively, with Mick Craven in 31st. Four Harriers then came in within a minute of each other with Dan Taylor 45th, Duncan Ritchie 47th, Angus Barclay 48th and Ali Richards in 49th.


Also staying local, on Sunday several Harriers completed Alice’s Run from Mytholmroyd. The 10k multi-terrain race, organised by Epilepsy Action, weaved its way up one side of the valley to Hebden Bridge and back on the other taking in several small climbs.

First Harrier to finish was Richard Butterwick in 21st, followed by David Leslie in 78th. Eric Wrathall was next over the line followed by Myra Wells and Matthew Wrathall.

August Round-up

Todmorden Harriers saw out August in fine form, including several winning performances.


Sean Carey won the Rossendale Harriers mid week series of fell races, with a measured 6th place at the final event, the Golf Ball Fell Race, being sufficient to take the series after a 1st and 2nd in earlier races.

Despite missing the last race - at Worsthorne Moor - of the 12 race Pendle & Burnley GP, Ian Stansfield won the v65 category after completing all of the first 11 races.

Alistair Rhodes-Dawson won the v40 trophy at the Grasmere Sports Senior Guides Fell Race, a short and steep up and down featuring a 900 foot climb in its 1.5 mile course.

Dave Collins won the v50 category at one of the longest standing fell races, the Burnsall Feast Sports Classic Fell Race which has been a fixture since the mid 19th century. It also covers a 900 foot climb over a 1.5 mile up and back course. James Riley, Peter Clarke and Peter Ehrhardt were Todmorden’s other representatives in the 150 strong field.

Robin Tuddenham finished 6th overall, and first v40, at the Round Latrigg fell race in Keswick on Wednesday – to follow his first place at the Oldham Parkrun the previous Saturday. Elise Milnes was first lady v50, with Ali Richards and Graham Milnes also completing the 5.5 mile course, which featured over 800 feet of ascent.

Also on Wednesday, Todmorden narrowly missed out on the ladies team prize at the Chunal Fell Race in Glossop. The 4 mile route included 950 feet of climb and Sarah Warburton led the way for the Harriers in 2nd place, only 8 seconds behind ladies winner Mary Edgerton of Pennine Fell Runners. Kath Brierley was a few seconds further back in 3rd with Emma Osenton finishing 10th lady.

On Saturday, five Harriers travelled to Clitheroe for the five mile Pendleton Fell Race, with Jon Wright in 7th and Dwane Dixon in 15th place.
Mick Craven finished 78th, with Dan Taylor making a return from injury in 104th and Andrea Marshall in 166th.

Sarah May meanwhile has been setting the triathlon world alight with two consecutive wins. First up was the Lakeland Triathlon, made up of a 1500 metre open water swim in Bassenthwaite Lake, and a hilly 40km cycle and a 10km run. She then followed that up just a week later with first female at the Clitheroe Triathlon over a slightly shorter course with a 400 metre swim, 30km bike and 9km run.

Belper Rugby Rover | Pilgrim's Cross

Todmorden Harriers travelled to the Derbyshire for the longest race in this year’s Road Championship. Once voted the 11th best race in the UK, the Belper Rugby Rover is a hilly 30km trail race that weaved its way through the heart of the Derwent Valley along the Midshires Way, roman roads, paths and tracks.

Nick Barber was the first Harrier to finish in 5th place, in 2 hours 11 minutes and 55 seconds, just 5 minutes behind race winner Richard Pattison. He was followed by Mark Anderton with first Todmorden lady Elise Milnes finishing in 3 hours 9 minutes and Julie Wyant completing the quartet who had made the journey.

Todmorden Results: 5 Nick Barber 2:11:55; 150 Mark Anderton 2:52:45; 206 Elise Milnes 3:09:26; 303 Julie Wyant 3:36:46.

Sean Carey recorded another senior win at the Pilgrim’s Cross Fell Race on Wednesday. The race is part of Rossendale Harriers mid week series and followed his 2nd place a week earlier at the Whittle Pike Fell Race. The Todmorden runner was a comfortable winner in 39:16 ahead of fellow under 18 Joe Johnston, of Rossendale, who finished 36 seconds behind.

Cliviger 6 | Healey Reservoir 5k

Todmorden Harrier’s Road Championship continued on Sunday with the Cliviger Six. Starting from Mount Lane Sports Field the route began with a stiff climb up Red Lees Road. A gentle downhill then took the runners into and through Towneley Park. More uphill followed as they passed by Towneley Hall and exited the park for an undulating return along Todmorden Road, which led to the last climb back up Red Lees Road to the finish in the sports field.


Jon Wright was the first Harrier to finish in 7th place closely followed by Nick Barber in 9th and Paul Brannigan in 14th. After Martin Stork had crossed the line, a close battle between Mark Anderton, Kevin Booth and Darren Tweed saw just 6 seconds between them at the end.

Maria Prescott finished first Todmorden lady followed by Elise Milnes, who won the first v50 prize, and Mel Robertson.

Todmorden Results: 7 Jon Wright 34:53; 9 Nick Barber 35:09; 14 Paul Brannigan 37:02; 25 Martin Stork 38:38; 38 Mark Anderton 39:44; 39 Kevin Booth 39:47; 40 Darren Tweed 39:50; 72 Richard Butterwick 43:19; 87 Maria Prescott 45:12; 96 Phil Cook 46:24; 112 Elise Milnes 48:39; 117 Melanie Robertson 49:59; 118 Peter Ehrhardt 50:05; 130 David O'Neill 54:57; 131 Graham Milnes 55:11; 141 Myra Wells 1:00:08; 147 Ian Stansfield 1:05:12.

The previous Tuesday had seen five Todmorden Harriers take on the Emily Hughes Healey Reservoir Dash at Whitworth. The 5k multi terrain race included sections of road, rocky track and two laps of the reservoir with Richard Butterwick first Harrier back in 13th place, followed by Peter Ehrhardt in 27th and first v60. Myra Wells was the sole Todmorden lady in 34th, with Ian Stansfield in 39th and Jon Newby in 44th.

Snowden | Turnslack | Oxenhope | Lakeland 50

Todmorden runner, Lauren Jeska represented England at the Snowdon International Mountain Race on Saturday and achieved an excellent 3rd place on her first call up to the national team. Scotland’s Catriona Buchanan won the ladies race in wet and windy conditions but, along with Pippa Maddams in 2nd and Emma Clayton in 7th, Lauren’s performance meant that England Ladies narrowly took the team prize.


Closer to home, Todmorden Harriers comfortably took the men’s team prize at the Turnslack Fell Race. Starting from Calderbrook the 8 mile race followed a circular route over Freehold’s Top, and included two tough climbs on the return. Andrew Wrench finished in 3rd place, shadowed 3 seconds behind by Sean Carey in 4th, with Alistair Rhodes Dawson 7th and Dwane Dixon in 8th.

Not to be outdone Todmorden Ladies, Chris Preston, Sue Roberts and Kathy Bridger also won the team prize at the Oxenhope Fell Race.

Elise Milnes and Julie Wyant took on the Lakeland 50 mile ultra race at the weekend along with over 300 other competitors. They traversed their way along the off road route from Penrith to Coniston that included over 10,000 feet of ascent. Starting at midday on Saturday they successfully completed the challenge shortly after dawn on Sunday morning having travelled throughout the night in a time of 17 hours and 59 minutes.

Holme Moss Fell Race

Lauren Jeska recorded her first English Fell Championship Race win at the Holme Moss Fell Race to enhance her chances of a medal this season. With just one race remaining, Lauren lies in 2nd place in the championship table, 4 points behind Altringham’s Olivia Walwyn and 1 point ahead of Eryri’s Jackie Lee, with Calder Valley’s Helen Fines still in medal contention.
Wet and windy conditions made tackling the 18 mile course, with over 4000ft of ascent all the harder and a record field of 310 were whittled down to 292 by the finish when the sun finally came out. They made Calder Valley’s Karl Grey’s win all the more remarkable as he set a new course record in 2:24:18
Alistair Rhodes-Dawson was the first Harrier to finish in 30th place, just ahead of Lauren with Dave Collins and Andrew Horsfall following them in.
Todmorden Ladies also took the ladies team prize on the day, with Sarah May, 10th lady, and Kath Brierley, 22nd lady, contributing to a hard won effort that not only cements their 4th place in the team standings but moved them closer to the top three to keep alive an outside chance of a team medal.

Todmorden Results: 30 Alastair Rhodes-Dawson 2.47.17; 33 Lauren Jeska 2.49.31; 57 Dave Collins 2.56.55; 66 Andrew Horsfall 3.02.59; 78 Paul Brannigan 3.06.37; 89 Paul Hobbs 3.08.47; 102 Ozzie Kershaw 3.13.26; 112 Sarah May 3.16.35; 149 Kath Brierley 3.29.29; 186 Mick Craven 3.40.29; 195 Phil Hodgson 3.42.33; 197 Andrew Bibby 3.43.07; 212 Ben Crowther 3.49.30; 226 Melanie Blackhurst 3.54.40; 244 Elise Milnes 4.04.41; 266 Louise Abdy 4.18.40.

Stoodley Pike Fell Race | Eccup 10

Todmorden’s Lauren Jeska smashed the ladies course record by over a minute at the Stoodley Pike Fell Race last week.

The race starts with a sharp climb on the causeway stones up from Lumbutts, and then travels along the ridge to the Pike. A steep descent to London Road tests the nerves of the runners and the final run in takes them back to the finish field at the Top Brink Inn.

Todmorden postman, and Calder Valley runner, Alex Whittem won the race for the second consecutive year, having quickly stamped his authority from the off, crossing the line in 19:05. Another Todmorden resident, and Calder Valley runner, James Logue finished second managing to hold off Harriers Andrew Wrench and Sean Carey as they battled for third place, with Wrench eventually edging it by just 5 seconds.

Lauren Jeska had an equally comfortable win in the ladies race, and her time of 21:24 beat the former record, held by Calder’s Jo Waites, by over a minute. Todmorden’s Sarah May finished second lady in 23:26, and with Jane Leonard eighth lady, Todmorden narrowly took the ladies team prize ahead of a strong showing by Wharfedale Harriers in third, fourth and fifth. The men’s team prize went to Calder Valley Fell Runners ahead of Todmorden.

Todmorden Results: 3 Andrew Wrench 19:58; 4 Sean Carey 20:03; 16 Lauren Jeska 21:24; 18 Dwane Dixon 21:36; 19 Paul Hobbs 21:38; 29 Ben Crowther 22:29; 46 Sarah May 23:26; 48 Dave Collins 23:29; 54 Darren Tweed 23:42; 57 Martin Stork 23:56; 98 Richard Butterwick 26:41; 102 Jane Leonard 26:52; 142 Helen Hodgkinson 29:56; 156 Dave O'Neill 32:57; 157 Sue Roberts 33:17; 159 Melanie Robertson 33:31; 161 Barry Chapman 33:48; 166 Andrea Marshall 34:27; 172 Myra Wells 37:22; 175 Alison Mills 38:25; 176 Richard Leonard 38:26.





On Sunday, the club’s Road Championship continued with the Eccup 10 mile race near Leeds. Starting and finishing in Adel, the route looped around Eccup Reservoir with Longwood Harrier Andrew Pearson recording a winning time of 52:15.

Nick Barber led the way for the Harriers in an excellent 14th place out of 536 finishers, with Paul Brannigan 45th and Martin Stork 61st.

Lucy Hobbs was the first Todmorden lady to finish in 199th place.


Todmorden Results: 14 Nick Barber 59:57; 45 Paul Brannigan 1:05:57; 61 Martin Stork 1:07:12; 199 Lucy Hobbs 1:19:08; 224 Bohuslav Barlow 1:20:43; 302 Peter Ehrhardt 1:25:58; 304 Melanie Robertson 1:26:15; 521 Ian Stansfield 1:52:38; 528 Rachel Allen 1:56:08.

Cragg Vale Fell Race | Todmorden Triathlon

Todmorden Harriers arrived en masse for the Cragg Vale Fell Race last week with 24 Harriers tackling the four mile course. Starting from Cragg Vale Church the race took a woodland path along the river before a long climb up to Bell House Moor. The climbing continued up Dicks Lane before the runners turned and descended via Sunderland Pasture and Swan Bank.


Sean Carey was the first Harrier to finish taking 3rd place, with Nick Barber in 6th and Alistair Rhodes Dawson in 9th. However, with Karl Grey taking the win in 27:08 ahead of Gavin Mulholland the team honours went to Calder Valley Fell Runners.

The ladies mirrored the men’s performance with Claire Duffield 3rd lady, Jane Leonard 6th lady and Chris Preston 9th lady, again finishing 2nd team behind Calder Valley.

Todmorden Results: 3 Sean Carey 28.31; 6 Nick Barber 28.45; 9 Alastair Rhodes-Dawson 30.09; 12 Paul Hobbs 30.36; 13 Dwane Dixon 30:52; 16 Andy McFie 31.09; 18 Peter Bowles 31.22; 26 Ben Crowther 32.08; 27 Paul Brannigan 32.12; 32 Dave Collins 32.52; 33 Shaun Pickard 32.54; 38 Martin Stork 34.02; 54 Andrew Bibby 36.13; 58 Claire Duffield 36.29; 60 Jack Crummett 37.09; 63 Richard Butterwick 37.17; 69 Jane Leonard 37.58; 85 Christine Preston 40.10; 91 Elise Milnes 42.40; 95 Peter Ehrhardt 43.35; 96 Graham Milnes 43.47; 97 Louise Abdy 44.11; 99 Sue Roberts 45.41; 100 Melanie Robertson 45.44; 105 Myra Wells 52.30.

Four Harriers tackled the Todmorden Triathlon on Sunday. After a 400m swim in Todmorden Pool, a 20km cycle ride was followed by a 5km run around Centre Vale Park.

Mark Anderton led the way with 18th place, with Shaun Pickard finishing 3rd V50 as he completed his first triathlon. Ben Crowther was the next Harrier to finish with Karen Gray finishing 3rd female V40.

Sedbergh 3 Peaks Fell Race

Moyra Parfitt finished first V65 and Lauren Jeska recorded 5th place in the Sedbergh ladies race at the English Fell Championships on Saturday. The race also formed a round of the British Championships so the competition was as tough as it could be over the 4.1 mile course that featured 1663 feet of ascent.


Ladies Results: 5 Lauren Jeska 39:51; 32 Kath Brierley 46:34; 47 Jane Leonard 48:21; 58 Claire Duffield 49:48; 72 Melanie Blackhurst 52:30; 86 Louise Abdy 56:14; 88 Moyra Parfitt 57:43; 91 Sue Roberts 1:00:53.


Jon Wright led the way for the Harriers in the men’s’ race, with Nick Barber having an excellent run in the hot and sunny conditions to finish 64th ahead of Alistair Rhodes Dawson in 103rd.

48 Jonathon Wright 37:02; 64 Nick Barber 38:12; 103 Alistair Rhodes-Dawson 40:54; 115 Dave Collins 41:18; 117 Andrew Horsfall 41:33; 166 Martin Roberts 45:25; 181 Phil Hodgson 47:01; 190 Peter Clarke 48:10; 192 James Riley 48:23; 207 Richard Blakeley 52:31; 208 Richard Leonard 52:36; 224 Lee McCluskey 56:32; 231 Barry Chapman 1:03:38; 234 Dave O'Neill 1:07:34.


Todmorden Harriers popular Stoodley Pike Fell Race takes place on Tuesday 6th July at 7:30pm. Entry on the night is £3.50 at race HQ in the Top Brink Inn and is open to runners aged 14 and above. The 3.5 mile race starts with a stiff climb up the Calderdale Way past Lea Dam and follows the flat ridge along to Stoodley Pike. A steep descent down to London Road takes the runners back to the finish field via Broad Carr.

Midsummer Madness [Whicken Hill Whizz, Reservoir Bogs,Tom Tittiman] | Hendon Brook 13.5

Todmorden Harriers were well represented at the Midsummer Madness Series, organised by Calder Valley Fell Runners, with five Harriers completing all three races, which took place on consecutive days. Starting from Mytholmroyd on Friday evening the opening race was 3 mile Whicken Hill Whizz, a steep climb up to the Sheepstones trig point and back down.

Sean Carey finished in 4th, and 1st U18, for the Harriers with Paul Hobbs in 9th and Jackson Cowie 14th, and 1st U16. Todmorden Ladies added another team prize, with Jane Leonard 3rd lady, Fiona Armer 7th and Louise Abdy 9th.

The following day saw a move to Chiserley for the 7.5 mile Reservoir Bogs race, which was also a counter in the club’s fell championship. The race route was unmarked and runners did not find out the location of the checkpoints until the morning of the race. They were then faced with a quick decision as to which route to take between the checkpoints.

This time it was the turn of the Todmorden Men to take the team prize with Jon Wright in 2nd, Andrew Wrench in 4th and Andrew Horsfall in 7th.

The ladies finished 2nd team with Chris Preston 3rd lady, Jane Leonard 4th and Louise Abdy 8th, leading the way. Sean Carey continued his challenge as he won the U18 race.

The final race on Sunday was the 4 mile Tom Tittiman Race from Chiserley, with Sean Carey finishing 3rd to take the Series U18 win and new Harrier Robin Tuddenham made a flying start with the club in 7th. Paul Hobbs finished 11th to place him 3rd in the senior Series ahead of Ben Crowther in 5th.

Jane Leonard finished the ladies Series in 3rd, with Fiona Armer narrowly pipping Louise Abdy for 6th.

On Sunday, the 13.5 mile Hendon Brook road race was a counter for the club’s Road Championship. The hilly race is highly rated as one of the most scenic, and toughest, races and despite a change of date this year once again was run in hot and sunny conditions.

Darren Tweed and Kevin Booth ran a close race with Darren eventually crossing the line in 1:44:30, a half minute ahead of his team mate as they finished 32nd and 33rd respectively.

Keith Parkinson was the next Harrier in 51st with Mel Blackhurst just behind, winning the FV45 category. Elise Milnes finished 2nd LV50, followed by Nigel Hanson and Ian Stansfield 1st V65.

Ennerdale Horseshoe | Hebden Bridge Fell Race | Otley 10

Todmorden Harriers’ Ladies won the team prize at the English Fell Championships on Saturday. The Ennerdale Horseshoe Fell Race was the third of the six races that make up the championship, and was also the longest at 23 miles, with over 7,500 feet of ascent and descent. Starting and finishing at Ennerdale Scout Camp the epic route travelled over the many peaks surrounding Ennerdale Water, with warm weather adding to the challenge.

Lauren Jeska maintained her challenge for a medal with 5th place, in what is unfolding as one of the most competitive ladies championships in recent years. The next counter is in a fortnight with the first short race in the series at Sedburgh, but the destiny of the medals is not likely to be settled until the final race in September.

Jane Leonard continued her comeback from injury with 15th place, and 2nd V50, with Sarah Warburton and Kath Brierley the other victorious team prize winners.

Rob Jebb of Bingley won the men’s race, holding off Dark Peak’s fast finishing Lloyd Taggart. Jon Wright was Todmorden’s first counter in 14th, with Alistair Rhodes-Dawson and Nick Barber in 61st and 67th respectively.

Todmorden Results: 14 Jonathan Wright 4:03:02; 61 Alastair Rhodes-Dawson 4:36:38; 67 Nick Barber 4:40:16; 74 Lauren Jeska 4:44:25; 108 Oz Kershaw 5:02:04; 136 Phil Hodgson 5:13:00; 137 Dave Collins 5:14:04; 151 Clive Greatorex 5:19:11; 157 Jane Leonard 5:22:42; 195 Sarah Warburton 5:38:16; 221 Kath Brierley 5:48:05; 239= Ben Crowther 5:55:56; 239= Richard Leonard 5:55:56; 247 Kevin Booth 5:59:36; 267= Louise Abdy 6:47:45; 278 David Wilson 7:28:23.

The Hebden Bridge Fell Race, organised by Todmorden Harriers, took place in cool and breezy conditions last Thursday evening. Starting and finishing at Calder Holmes Park the 5.8 mile race followed a looping route over Erringdon Moor up to Stoodley Pike taking in 1150 feet of ascent.

The race quickly developed into a two way battle between Calder Valley’s Karl Gray and Alex Whittem, with Gray eventually pulling out a 40 second lead on the descent to win in a new course record time of 42:41.

Todmorden’s Sean Carey finished in 4th place narrowly losing out to Pudsey’s Colin Walker in their race long tussle for 3rd. Paul Hobbs was the next Harrier in 8th with Peter Bowles in 14th.

Chris Preston finished 2nd lady and Patsy Reilly 3rd lady for Todmorden behind Calder Valley’s Jackie Scarf.

The club’s final summer fell race is the 3.5 mile Stoodley Pike Fell Race, which takes place on Tuesday 6th July.

Todmorden Results: 4 Sean Carey 44.49; 8 Paul Hobbs 48.03; 14 Peter Bowles 50.32; 18 Martin Roberts 53.36; 22 Paul Brannigan 55.14; 28 Paul Cotton 55.47; 32 Deon Bamford 56.35; 34 Lee McCluskey 57.03; 37 Peter Clarke 57.18; 38 Andrew Bibby 57.29; 40 Paul Cruthers 57.42; 45 Richard Blakeley 60.36; 52 Chris Preston 61.58; 54 Derek Donohue 62.27; 60 Patsy Reilly 66.42.


On Tuesday, the latest round of the club’s Road Championship took place, with the Otley 10. Six Harriers tackled the 10 mile undulating scenic route with Paul Brannigan first Harrier home. Mel Blackhurst was next ahead of Nigel Hanson and 1st V65 Moira Parfitt. Mel Siddall was next to finish with Ian Stansfield completing the club entry.

Blencathra | Isle of Jura | round up...

Lauren Jeska set a new course record on her way to winning the Blencathra Fell Race last Wednesday. The Todmorden Harrier has been in fine form all year and has just been rewarded with her first call up to the England Ladies Team for the International Snowden Race next month.


The 8 mile Blencathra race followed a horseshoe route with three climbs totalling 2700 feet, as it passed over Bowscales Fell, Blencathra and Southern Fell. Lauren finished 12th overall out of 142 runners and was comfortably first lady, over 7 minutes ahead of her nearest rival. Her time of 1:10:51 knocked 25 seconds off Natalie White’s record from 2008.


The Isle of Jura Fell Race once again attracted a quality field to its legendary 16 mile course with over 7,500 feet of ascent that require runners to tackle 7 mountain summits, including the Paps of Jura. The race is one of the toughest in the calendar and with this year’s 199 runners, along with supporters, the island’s population more than doubles for the race weekend.

Rob Jebb took the win in 3:28:36 over fellow Bingley Harrier Ian Holmes. Jon Wright led the way for the Harriers in 11th place with Jane Leonard finishing first V50 lady.

Todmorden Results: 11 Jon Wright 3:53:36; 69 Phil Hodgson 4:37:54; 94 Jane Leonard 4:52:47; 109 Ozzie Kershaw 5:02:30; 139 Kath Brierley 5:21:35; 141 Richard Leonard 5:22:23; 184 John Preston 5:55:19.


Elsewhere, Todmorden Harriers were spread far and wide with Rachel and David Henthorne undertaking the first of the three Badger 10k trail races at Cuerden Valley to finish 2 seconds apart in 121st and 122nd.

James Riley tackled the 5.9mile Pen-Y-Ghent Fell Race which includes 1650 feet of ascent on the way to the summit and then back down, finishing in 42nd place.

Mick Craven finished 26th and Peter Ehrhardt 52nd at the 7.5mile Edenfield Fell Race near Ramsbottom that featured 1600 feet of ascent, including a steep climb near to the finish.

Bohuslav Barlow and Ian Stansfield completed the unique Morecambe Cross Bay Challenge, a half marathon that crosses over the sands, and occasional water channels, from Cumbria to Lancashire. Their times were 1:57:40 and 2:33:19 respectively.