It was a busy Bank Holiday for Todmorden Harriers starting with the English Championship Fell Race at Coniston. The 9 mile race is always a favourite and once again saw a strong turnout from the club.
The race started in the village in brilliant sunshine and quickly climbed up the steep Mouldry Bank on its way up the relentless ascent of Wetherlam. After a fast descent the runners then scrambled up to Swirl How and followed the ridge across to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston. Increasing cloud then gave way to a brief hail shower, followed by rain that made the steep rocky descent all the more treacherous. It was here that Bingley’s Ian Holmes – who been outside the leading ten until then - made a decisive move to take an optimum line down the mountain and move into a lead that he retained to the end, crossing the line for his 9th victory on the course.
The race started in the village in brilliant sunshine and quickly climbed up the steep Mouldry Bank on its way up the relentless ascent of Wetherlam. After a fast descent the runners then scrambled up to Swirl How and followed the ridge across to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston. Increasing cloud then gave way to a brief hail shower, followed by rain that made the steep rocky descent all the more treacherous. It was here that Bingley’s Ian Holmes – who been outside the leading ten until then - made a decisive move to take an optimum line down the mountain and move into a lead that he retained to the end, crossing the line for his 9th victory on the course. 
Jon Wright was Todmorden’s first finisher, closing fast on Calder Valley’s Alex Whittem to the line. Andrew Wrench was next to complete the course, followed by an in form Lauren Jeska who took 3rd lady behind Scunthorpe’s Emma Clayton and Altringham’s Olivia Walwyn, who lost her lead after a fall in the last mile.
Alistair Rhodes-Dawson was the next Harrier followed by Andrew Horsfall and Dave Collins. The ladies team had a strong showing with Sarah May and Rachel Skinner also achieving high places.
On Sunday, the outskirts of Halifax were the setting for the 10.3 mile Bluebell Trail Race organised by Stainland Lions. The popular course follows an undulating route along trails, tracks, minor roads and bluebell woods and has a unique river crossing to finish. Paul Hobbs led the way for the Todmorden club with 20th placeTodmorden Results: 20 Paul Hobbs 1:17:12; 38 Mark Anderton 1:19:49; 39 Martin Stork 1:19:50; 49 Darren Tweed 1:21:17; 53 Kevin Booth 1:22:32; 137 Phil Cook 1:33:02; 144 Paul Cruthers 1:33:27; 200 Elise Milnes 1:39:36; 209 Peter Ehrhardt 1:41:28; 259 Graham Milnes 1:48:49; 273 Melanie Robertson 1:50:42; 307 Nigel Hanson 1:55:04; 382 Katy Moore 2:09:44.
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