Joss Naylor Challenge | Hebden Bridge Fell Race | Cannonball Hill Roller

Todmorden Harriers chairman Mandy Goth and her husband Phil Hodgson became the first married couple to complete the Joss Naylor Challenge.


Joss’s challenge involves climbing 30 mountain tops, crossing some 48 miles of mountain terrain and ascending over 17000 feet. The route starts in Pooley Bridge, Ullswater and finishes at Greendale Bridge, Wasdale. Each age group has a specific time limit varying between 12 and 24 hours with different times for men and women.

They started at 5am in the morning and it was touch and go as the 14 hour deadline approached. They finished with a nail biting sprint off the final summit to finish at 7pm precisely.

The challenge was particularly significant for Mandy who only two weeks previously had been given the all clear from breast cancer.

They were supported by numerous friends from Todmorden Harriers and Achille Ratti Climbing Club and were met at the finish by Joss Naylor MBE.

The good weather attracted a sizeable entry for the club’s Hebden Bridge Fell Race on Thursday evening, including one runner from the United States.

Ian Holmes of Bingley Harriers won in a time of 45:23, followed by Wharfedale Harrier Christian Holmes in 45:43.

John Lloyd was the first Todmorden runner to complete the 5.8 mile course, followed by Peter Bowles in 16th Rob Tyson in 30th place.

Holly Page of Calder Valley Fell Runners was first woman in a time of 52:56.

Mel Blackhurst was the first Todmorden woman, finishing eighth lady, followed by Kirsty Pattern and Sarah Hughes for the club.

Todmorden Results: 3 John Lloyd 46.50; 16 Peter Bowles 50.50; 30 Robert Tyson 54.01; 32 Dave Collins 55.03; 33 David Baldaro 55.58; 46 Andrew Bibby 58.14; 51 Duncan Ritchie 59.25; 55 Benjamin Beckwith 60.43; 69 Paul Cruthers 63.22; 71 Richard Blakeley 63.32; 72 Mel Blackhurst 63.35; 79 David Leslie 64.26; 91 Graham Milnes 70.58; 98 Kirsty Patten 73.43; 101 Blair McKay 76.30; 104 Sarah Hughes 77.00; 105 Ben Hopkinson 80.14.


Joseph Hobbs was the sole Todmorden representative at the latest round of the junior English Fell Championships, finishing in fourth place at Sedburgh.


At the second Cannonball Hill Roller race, Dan Taylor went one better than the week before and finished first in a combined time of 13:12 for the one mile uphill and one mile downhill race.

Myra Wells finished second lady and seventh overall, with Ian Stansfield in eighth position.