Preston 10 | Harriers v Cyclists

Sunday saw the last race in the Todmorden Harriers Road Championships, as 6 harriers travelled to Preston for the Preston 10. With their respective titles already in the bag, Paul Brannigan and Sarah Glyde chose to stay away. Nick Barber looking to get the last race needed for qualification for the Club Championship, was eager for the top 10 finish required to take the title. He set off at a rapid pace and was going well at 5 miles in about 4^th/5^th place just under 28 minutes.  Shortly afterwards he was struck by stomach pains and had to pull out due to sickness ending his chances. Paul Alexander was elevated to the first Todmorden Harrier on the road with relish and continued his season of PB’s knocking 6 minutes off his previous 10 mile best, to finish in 1.06.50. Andy Glyde (Sarah’s husband) finished next, closely followed by Phil Cook and Kevin Coughlan. These 3 have all now qualified for the Harriers Grand Prix prior to the final race at Pendle this weekend.

Todmorden Results: Paul Alexander 1.06.50; Andy Glyde 1.12.35; Phil Cook 1.13.07; Kevin Coughlan 1.14.28 ; Peter Erhardt  1.26.18.

A couple of Harriers made the trip to Leeds on Sunday for the Abbey Dash 10k. The out and back course is well known as a fast flat course and had over 10000 participants. Martin Stork showed he is now back to his best following injury, with a great run and new personal best time of 36.40. Andy Mcfie managed to arrive on time this week and completed the Todmorden entries with a solid run of 38.17.

Saturday saw the annual Harriers v Cyclists race from the Fishermans Inn in Bingley. This involves cyclo crossers versus runners. The runners are quicker up the hill and the cyclists on the way back down, on a well balanced course for the challenge. Tom Adams continued his good form winning for the runners ahead of 1^st bike Andy Peace in 2^nd. First Harrier home was Robin Tuddenham just ahead of Steve Pullen. Emma Osenton was on her Cross Bike and managed a very respectable 163^rd position, showing how much she has improved since taking up the discipline only last year. Chris Preston managed to finish in front of Mandy Goth in the battle of the Tod ladies.

Todmorden Results: 48 Robin Tuddenham 41.13; 52 Steve Pullen 41.33; 163 Emma Osenton 53.45; 184 Chris Preston 56.41; 198 Mandy Goth 1.01.04.

Saturday sees the culmination of the Harriers Grand Prix season with the final race at Barley for the Tour of Pendle. At 17 miles long with nearly 5000 feet of climbing the race (in its 30^th year) is known as the toughest of the South Pennine races, with 3 very steep climbs one after another toward the end. Mud, tussocks and bogs are guaranteed in this season finale.  

Tour of Pendle | Abbey Dash | Preston 10 | Barnsley 10k

Todmorden Harriers enjoyed perfect running conditions at the Tour of Pendle Fell Race. The 17 mile route weaved its way around the hillside featuring almost 5000feet of ascent over several tough climbs.


Craig Stansfield was the first Todmorden runner to finish in 35th place, in a time of 2 hours 49 minutes.

There was a close battle between four Harriers behind with just 6 minutes separating them at the end, as Dan Taylor crossed the line in 89th position in 3 hours and 3 minutes just ahead of Darren Graham. Ben Crowther was next to finish, followed by Andy McFie.

Chris Drinkwater and Elise Milnes were also well matched as they finished just either side of the four hour mark.



At the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k race Guy and Mel Whitmore joined 9000 entrants, with Guy finishing the 10km course in 44:03 and Mel in 51:28.



Mel Robertson was the sole Todmorden entrant in the Preston 10 mile road race, where she finished 5th v50 and 220th overall, improving on her time of a year before by two minute to complete the course in 1:19:14.

  Lucy Hobbs was also the only Todmorden runner amongst almost 800 runners at the Barnsley 10k as she completed the hilly route in 292nd position in a time of  48:33.

Preston 10 | Tour of Pendle Fell Race

Sarah Glyde clinched the ladies crown in the final race of Todmorden Harriers club road championship in dramatic fashion, at the Preston 10, despite a strong challenge from Mel Blackhurst who came close to snatching the title away.


Nick Barber had been the first Harrier to cross the line in 57:16 for 10th place, just ahead of men’s road championship runner-up John Lloyd in 14th place. Men’s champion Robin Tuddenham already held a commanding lead in that competition and chose not to race.

Mel Blackhurst put in a sterling effort, finishing 1st v45, but despite pulling out a lead of over 3 minutes on Sarah it was not enough to overhaul her in the final standings.

Mel Robertson and Nigel Hanson enjoyed a battle of their own, with Mel finishing just 8 seconds ahead on the day, followed shortly afterwards by Elise Milnes.

Todmorden results: 10 Nick Barber 57:16; 14 John Lloyd 57:59; 164 Melanie Blackhurst 1:12:51; 211 Sarah Glyde 1:16:31; 263 Melanie Robertson 1:21:21; 268 Nigel Hanson 1:21:29; 332 Elise Milnes 1:28:40.

Preston 10 photos from Steve Bateson...



Results from the Tour of Pendle and Sports Sunday's Tour of Pendle Photos...