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/