Hot Toddy Road Race

Over 300 runners descended on Todmorden for the annual Hot Toddy Road Race on Sunday.


The 8.9km race followed a circular route from the town centre, along Rochdale Road to Walsden Post Office and a climb up past the Shepherd’s Rest Inn. A fast descent to Halifax Road then took the runners back to the finish line.

A new race headquarters at Todmorden Cricket Club meant a new improved route for the 1 mile fun run that attracted a further 50 runners to a circuit of Centre Vale Park.

Photos by Keith Parkinson

The Mayor of Todmorden, Counsellor Abid Hussain, then started the runners in the main race and was on hand to congratulate the finishers after they had completed the course.

Damian Nicholls of Wilmslow quickly established a gap and was in a race of his own as he won in a time of 29:50, to repeat his victory of 2007.

It was a much closer battle for second place, with Mike Flatley of Middleton Harriers crossing the line in 31:19, just four seconds ahead of Salford Harrier Mark Russell.

Ivan Gee was the first Todmorden Harrier to finish, holding off a late challenge from Trevor Davies as they finished 19th and 22nd respectively, followed by Paul Hobbs in 31st place.

Halifax Harrier Sarah Louise Cumber also enjoyed a comfortable win as she finished first lady in a time of 34:44, followed by Victoria Bailie of Edinburgh AC in 36:13 and Stainland Lion Julie Field in 37:03.

Helen Wilson was the first Todmorden lady followed by Myra Wells.

Todmorden results: 19 Ivan Gee 34.37; 22 Trevor Davis 34.42; 31 Paul Hobbs 35.36; 39 Richard Butterwick 36.24; 56 Dan Taylor 37.50; 63 Paul Alexander 38.23; 79 Phil Cook 39.42; 96 Joe Daniels 40.29; 103 Kevin Coughlan 40.51; 118 Guy Whitmore 42.11; 181 David Leslie 46.07; 233 Helen Wilson 49.46; 254 Graham Milnes 51.53; 259 Myra Wells 52.14.