Wadsworth Trog

by PB

Brutal winds and a wind chill of minus 6 degrees made the already tough Wadsworth Trog fell race an extremely difficult challenge. This was proven by 5 of Tod’s 19 athletes unable to finish the race. Of the 14 finishers, in this opening race in Tod Harriers’ fell championship, Craig Stansfield was Tod’s first counter finishing in an excellent 11^th place. First lady back was Jane Leonard in 20^th in the ladies race.

The 20 mile race incorporated 14 checkpoints manned by some dedicated and hardy marshals. With the wind behind the field the run up to checkpoint 5 was straightforward, but boggy conditions between 5 and 6 sapped the soul as well as the body, but the worst was to come on the return journey from checkpoint 11 at Cock Hill where a headwind and boggy conditions reduced many to a walk. The wind was strong enough to blow out the contact lense of Tod’s second counter Paul Hobbs, who along with Andy McFie’s beautifully measured run secured 3^rd team place.

Great credit must go to Beverley Holmes, Tod’s last counter, who returned to Old Town Cricket Club 5hrs 36 minutes after starting. The general feeling amongst competitors was finishing the race made you a winner.

Results:

Craig Stansfield 11^th 3:32:25

Paul Hobbs 28^th 3:45:11

Andy McFie 29^th 3:45:19

Paul Brannigan 41^st 3:51:59

John Allan 56^th 4:00:21

Rob Tyson 70^th 4:12:53

Ben Beckwith 79^th 4:20:11

Phil Hodgson 80^th 4:21:03

Geoff Read 111^th 4:46:53

Richard Leonard 112nd 4:52:09

Jane Leonard 129^th (20^th) 4:57:02

Mandy Goth 144^th (28^th) 5:17:27

Helen Wilson 148^th (29^th) 5:19:38

Beverly Holmes 156^th (34^th) 5:33:23

Todmorden Harriers welcome and look after runners of all ability. Check out www.todharriers.co.uk for details.