Bolton Cross Country | Half Trog | Dunnerdale

by Paul Brannigan

The 3^rd Red Rose League Cross Country event provided mud galore for the 8 Todmorden Harriers who made the journey to Leverhulme Park in Bolton. This vibrant event attracts 700 runners from the age of 8 to 70.

First out of the traps was Jack Crummett in the Under 15 boys race with a consistent 2^nd consecutive 8^th place in a highly competitive group.

In the ladies event Jack’s mother, Kath Brierley, looked strong throughout the entire course finishing 3^rd in the Vet 50 category and 36^th overall. Kath was followed in by Andrea Marshall who put herself in pole position for the Tod ladies Cross Country title with one race remaining.

With the course churned up by the earlier races 200 men risked swallowing mud in a thunderous start that kicked up the contents of the many muddy pools. Dwane Dixon and Paul Brannigan, using the race as training for upcoming races, were the first two counters for Todmorden. Dwane executed a strictly planned tactical race that took him to 42^nd place overall and 6^th veteran over 40. Paul left it to the last lap to make up 35 places to finish 56^th and 6^th veteran over 45. Team captain Martin Stork, refined his pace judgement to finish 63^rd. Club stalwart Simon Anderton was next home in 116^th position followed by Andy McFie who decided to give everyone a head start arriving 5 minutes late. The battle for men’s cross country champion is still wide open with one race to go.

Results: U15 Boys:  Jack Crummett 8^th 17:54

Ladies: Kath Brierley 36^th 26:23; Andrea Marshall 98^th 31:33

Men: Dwane Dixon 42^nd 42:27; Paul Brannigan 56^th 43:56; Martin Stork 63^rd 44:17; Simon Anderton 116^th 48:17

 

Paul Hobbs continued his recent rich vein of form as first Todmorden Harrier home in 7^th place at the Wadsworth Half Trog. The race covers just over 9 miles and 1400 feet of climbing. Ben Crowther, one of Tod’s junior section coaches followed Paul in 14^th place. Rob Tyson completed the Tod team finishing 45^th. In the ladies race Elise Milnes was first home in 12^th place followed by Louise Abdy in 15^th.

Results: Ladies: Elise Milnes 12^th 1:59:00; Louise Abdy 15^th 2:10:00

Men: Paul Hobbs 7th 1:15:11; Ben Crowther 14^th 1:21.10; Rob Tyson 45^th 1:33:30; Phil Cook 63^rd 1:37:32; Mick Craven 73^rd 1:39:57; James Riley 74^th 1:40:31; Reginald Czudek 120^th 2:24:59.

5 Tod Harriers headed up to the lakes for the beautiful Dunnerdale Fell Race near Coniston in the Lakes. The battle of the day was between Sue Roberts and Mandy Goth with only 4 seconds separating them at the finish, but leading them home was Chris Preston in 32^nd place. In the men’s race Marcel Ellison and Martin Roberts finished in 41^st and 64^th places.

Results: Ladies: Chris Preston 32nd 64:29; ; Sue Roberts 40^th 1:07:26; Mandy Goth 41^st 1:07:30

Men: Marcel Ellison 41st 48:30; Martin Roberts 64^th 51.13

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

British Hill & Fell Relays | Chorley Cross Country | Race You to the Summit | Yorkshire Marathon

Todmorden Harriers had four teams competing in the British Hill and Fell Relay Championships at the weekend. The event is split into 4 different legs, with 2 individual runners and 2 pairs competing as a team of six.

The venue for this year’s relay was Llanberis in North Wales and runners were greeted with some very autumnal wind and rain making for tough conditions.

Todmorden Men’s A team finished in 23^rd place with an overall time of 4:50:44, with the B team completing with a time of 5:28:29 for 47^th position.

The Women’s team finished 16^th women’s team at 6:14:43 and the club’s mixed team finished 88 overall in the open category with a combined time of 7:07:26. 

At the second fixture of the Red Rose Cross Country League, Paul Brannigan was the first Todmorden runner in 41^st place, followed by Martin Stork in 55^th position.  Dan Taylor was 72^nd and Darren Tweed finished in 108^th position.

Jack Crummett put in a fine performance in the Under 15’s, finishing in eighth place.

At the Race You to the Summit Fell Race, Andrew Wrench battled his way into third position, and first veteran with a time of 31:53.

Elise Milnes completed the course in 47:29 for 42^nd position, just ahead of husband Graham who was 45^th with a time of 48:16.

Robin Tuddenham finished in 20^th position out of almost 4000 runners at the inaugural Yorkshire Marathon, completing the 26.2 mile distance in 2:47:03.

Ron Hill 5k | Edale Skyline | Leigh Cross Country | Thieveley Pike

Todmorden Harriers joined almost 400 runners in Littleborough to celebrate the 75th birthday of Dr Ron Hill MBE, with the annual 5k road race that is held in his honour.

Over thirty Harriers took to the hilly course along Rochdale Road, Smithy Bridge Road, along the side of Hollingworth Lake and finishing with a downhill section back into Littleborough.

Nick Barber led the way for Todmorden, finishing in fifth position with a time of 17:04, ahead of Paul Brannigan at 17:33 for 11th place and Martin Stork in 30th place stopping the clock at 18:36.

Sarah Glyde was the first Todmorden woman, collecting the v35 prize with her time of 20:36.  Kath Brierley completed the distance in 22:18 and Mel Blackhurst in 22:36.

Derek Clutterbuck enjoyed a rare race appearance and crossed the line first v80, after a race long battle that saw him claim a 13 second advantage over his nearest rival.

Todmorden results:  5 Nick Barber 17:04; 11 Paul Brannigan 17:33; 30 Martin Stork 18:36; 38 Dan Taylor 19:05; 41 Paul Alexander 19:24; 45 Robert Gray 19:28; 51 Ben Crowther 19:38; 79 Sarah Glyde 20:36; 88 Michael Harper 20:51; 97 Andrew Bibby 21:08; 104 Simon Galloway 21:31; 110 Richard Butterwick 21:34; 135 Kath Brierley 22:18; 138 Kevin Coughlan 22:26; 143 Phil Cook 22:34; 145 Melanie Blackhurst 22:36; 152 Keith Parkinson 22:59; 176 Richard Leonard 23:28; 210 Bev Wright 24:40; 224 Jane Leonard 25:28; 233 Nigel Hanson 25:41; 242 Mandy Goth 25:56; 246 David Leslie 26:02; 248 Julie Wyant 26:06; 258 Ray Poulter 26:28; 263 Andrea Marshall 26:42; 271 Peter Ehrhardt 27:03; 306 David O'Neill 29:00; 346 Derek Clutterbuck 35:26; 349 Ian Stansfield 36:21. 

Steve Bateson's Ron Hill 5k photos...

After being rearranged due to snow drifts on the original scheduled date in the spring, the Edale Skyline Fell Race was blessed with sunshine and blue skies at the weekend as the 34km Peak District race made up the final round of this year’s English Fell Championships.

Nick Barber recorded his highest finish in a Championship race, with 29^th place after 3:09:01, with Paul Brannigan finishing in 49^th position in 3:22:27.  Rob Tyson completed the route in 3:58:09 for 129^th place.

Mel Blackhurst was the first Todmorden woman in 160^th with a time of 4:08:01, followed by Kath Brierley in 201^st in a time of 4:21:37 and Jane Leonard in 251^st at 4:51:00.

David Leslie completed the Todmorden finishers with 270^th position in a time of 5:35:20.

A trio of Todmorden runners were present at the first fixture of this year’s Red Rose Cross Country League held on a fast dry course at Leigh Sports Village.

Martin Stork completed the course in 62nd place in a time of 38:59, followed by Dan Taylor in 85th with a time of 40:23.

Andrea Marshall was 83rd in the women’s race, with a time of 27:45.

There was a large entry for the Thieveley Pike Fell Race, with Andrew Wrench finishing in 6th place, and first v45.

Stephen Pullin just edged out Jamie Wrench as they finished 27th and 29th respectively, with Jamie claiming the first u18 prize.

Martin Roberts was 41st, with James Riley 59th and Phil Cook in 81st place.

In the junior races, Mayah Brooks finished first U12 girl, whilst Jaden Riley was second U12 boy.

Todmorden runners dominated the U8 boys race with Alex Duffield finishing first.  Noah Lane was second, with Harvey Riley third and William Beresford in fourth place.

Hyndburn Cross Country | Wadsworth Half Trog

Todmorden Harriers enjoyed another fine outing in Hyndburn at third round of the Red Rose Cross Country League, on a muddy woodland course.


The ladies were sixth placed team with Sarah Warburton, Mel Blackhurst and Kath Brierley all finishing in quick succession.

All three also counted towards the ladies veteran’s standings, where they were 3rd placed team. Moyra Parfitt once again finished first v65.

Todmorden Ladies: 21 Sarah Warburton 24:22; 23 Mel Blackhurst 24:30; 24 Kath Brierley 24:37; 59 Mel Robertson 27:45; 63 Bev Wright 28:15; 71 Moyra Parfitt 30:01; 78 Mandy Goth 30:58.



In the subsequent men’s race, the Todmorden men finished in fourth place; with the vets’ team finishing in second place, led in by Andrew Wrench who was also first v45.

Richard Blakeley finished first v65, with Ray Poulter fourth v65.

Todmorden Men: 12 Andrew Wrench 37:25; 14 Jon Wright 37:37; 19 John Lloyd 38:15; 27 Nick Barber 39:02; 57 Ivan Gee 41:54; 62 Robin Tuddenham 42:18; 81 Dan Taylor 44:34; 118 Richard Butterwick 47:51; 135 Phil Hodgson 49:32; 162 Chris Drinkwater 54:01.



On Sunday, several Harriers took on the Wadsworth Half Trog on the hills above Hebden Bridge. The 9 mile fell race featured over 1400 feet of ascent.

First Todmorden runner back was Paul Hobbs in 9th place, with Dave Collins finishing 19th overall and second v50.

Darren Graham finished in 21st place, just ahead of Robert Tyson in 24th and Clive Greatorex in 31st place.

Richard and Jane Leonard completed the course together in 77th and 78th positions, with Chris Preston in 89th position.

Race you to the Summit | Witton Park Cross Country

Todmorden Harrier’s Club Fell Championship went to the wire at the final counter, the ‘Race you to the Summit’ Fell Race on Saturday morning.


Nick Barber overhauled Dwane Dixon to be crowned Men’s Fell Champion and Helen Hodgkinson was crowned Ladies Fell Champion after a close battle with Helen Wilson.

Nick finished in second place in the race, behind Staffordshire Moorlands’ William Neill who won in a time of 30:37. The 4 mile route climbed in glorious autumnal sunshine from the Summit Inn to the Whitehouse and back down again.

Dwane finished in fifth place, with Jackson Cowie just edging out Paul Brannigan for seventh position as the club easily claimed the men’s team prize.

Mel Blackhurst was the first Todmorden lady to finish ahead of Elise Milnes but all eyes were on the battle between the two Helens in the ladies championship.

Helen Wilson was first over the line but Helen Hodgkinson followed just 9 seconds later to hold onto her slender lead in the standings.

Todmorden Results: 2 Nick Barber 31.21; 5 Dwane Dixon 32.09; 7 Jackson Cowie 33.27; 8 Paul Brannigan 33.31; 12 Robin Tuddenham 34.32; 14 Marcel Ellison 34.45; 15 Darren Graham 35.09; 16 Darren Tweed 35.16; 24 Dave Collins 37.21; 25 Michael Harper 37.32; 30 Andrew Glyde 39.13; 31 Phil Hodgson 39.22; 35 Phil Cook 40.07; 36 Mel Blackhurst 40.27; 43 Chris Drinkwater 42.54; 45 Liam Williamson 43.26; 47 Elise Milnes 43.33; 52 Ray Poulter 45.48; 54 Graham Milnes 47.00; 56 Helen Wilson 47.03; 57 Helen Hodgkinson 47.12; 59 Julie Wyant 47.59; 60 Peter Ehrhardt 48.33; 65 Dave O'Neill 54.38.



There was little time to recover for several Harriers as they were straight back in action on Saturday afternoon, at the second round of the Red Rose Cross Country League, on a hilly course in Blackburn’s Witton Park.

Sarah May lead the way for the ladies with a fine third place, followed by Kath Brierley and Issy Pollard as they finished eighth team in the ladies race.

Mel Robertson and Bev Wright enjoyed a close battle to be the third counter for the ladies veterans’ team, with another eighth spot claimed.

Moyra Parfitt completed the ladies turnout, finishing first v65.

Todmorden Ladies: 3 Sarah May 22:23; 27 Kath Brierley 25:25; 51 Issy Pollard 28:03; 60 Mel Robertson 29:08; 62 Bev Wright 29:23; 72 Moyra Parfitt 31:02.

In the subsequent men’s race, a strong showing by the Todmorden men lifted them into third place; with the vets’ team finishing in second place lead in by Andrew Wrench and Jon Wright.

Todmorden Men: 13 Andrew Wrench 38:41; 15 Jon Wright 38:46; 18 John Lloyd 39:41; 42 Nick Barber 41:53; 51 Dwane Dixon 42:38; 58 Martin Stork 43:11; 70 Robin Tuddenham 44:37; 106 Richard Butterwick 48:18.

Leigh Cross Country | Kielder Blast | Thieveley Pike Fell Race

Todmorden Harriers were spoilt for choice at the weekend, with the opening fixture of the Red Rose Cross Country League high on the agenda.


The venue, for the first of four rounds, was Leigh Sports village and Todmorden Ladies finished 10th team, and 8th veteran team, over the 5km course.

Todmorden ladies results: 20 Sarah Glyde 22:38; 34: Mel Blackhurst 23:41; 63: Mel Robertson 26:16; 75: Moyra Parfitt 28:14.

Ray Poulter finished second v65 on the same course in 27:00.

The men’s team then tackled the longer 10km course finishing in 5th place, and 2nd veteran team.

Todmorden men’s results: 11: John Lloyd 35:47; 15: Andrew Wrench 35:59; 17: Jon Wright 36:11; 29: Robin Tuddenham 37:28; 50: Paul Hobbs 39:31; 82: Michael Harper 41:57; 92: Simon Anderton 42:25.



The English Fell Championships drew to a close with the Kielder Blast Fell Race. Dwane Dixon was once again in the points as he finished the 9.5km course in a time of 75:29 for 46th place, with Paul Brannigan finishing in 51st place in 58:48.

Peter Ehrhardt finished in 135th, with Peter Marshall in 144th and Derek Clutterbuck making a rare racing appearance to finish in 150th position.



Closer to home Todmorden Ladies claimed the team prize at the Thieveley Pike Fell Race, whilst the men narrowly missed out on the team prize after finishing level on points with Calder Valley, but ht prize going to their neighbours as their forth counter crossed the line first.

Marcel Ellison led the way for the Harrier finishing in third place, with Craig Stansfield in 8th. Dave Collins and Robert Gray were the other counters finishing in 22nd and 28th positions.

The winning ladies team were Sarah Warburton, Issy Pollard and Eleanor Lang who were 4th, 5th and 6th ladies respectively.

Todmorden results: 3 Marcel Ellison 37.44; 8 Craig Stansfield 38.24; 22 Dave Collins 41.58; 28 Robert Gray 42.30; 44 Dan Taylor 44.17; 60 Paul Cook 46.26; 71 Sarah Warburton 48.13; 74 Issy Pollard 48.39; 78 Eleanor Lang 49.14; 101 Elise Milnes 51.53; 105 Graham Milnes 52.40; 106 Sue Roberts 52.57.

FRA Awards | Wadsworth Half Trog | Bolton Cross Country

Todmorden Harriers Ladies collected their first ever medals at the Fell Running Association’s Presentation Dinner held at Pennine Manor near Huddersfield at the weekend.


The club collected the team gold medal in the English Fell Championships. Contributing performances had come from Lauren Jeska, Sarah May, Sarah Warburton, Kath Brierley, Gemma Kendall, Jane Leonard, Lucy Hobbs and Mel Blackhurst.

Lauren Jeska also collected the individual ladies trophy and gold medal after winning the English Fell Championship for the second consecutive year.

The ladies team then added the bronze medal for the British Fell Championships, with contributions coming from Kath Brierley, Jane Leonard, Sue Roberts, Lauren Jeska, Sarah May, Elise Milnes, Mandy Goth, Gemma Kendall and Mel Blackhurst.



Photo by Keith Parkinson



There was no let up in the race action at the weekend, despite the awards ceremony. Lauren Jeska was first lady at the Dunnerdale Fell Race, with John Medcalfe, Jane Leonard and Mick Howard also taking on the South Lakeland course.



The Wadsworth Half Trog was run over 9 miles, following a figure of eight route through Cock Hill and Crow hill and passing over High Brown Knoll twice.

Paul Hobbs was the first Todmorden finisher in 21st place, with Ben Crowther in 28th position. Chris Preston finished 10th lady, just ahead of Hatty Nylan and Bev Holmes as the ladies finished second team.

Todmorden Results: 21 Paul Hobbs 1:23:04; 28 Ben Crowther 1:25:16; 69 Mick Craven 1:39:00; 80 (lady 10) Christine Preston 1:41:06; 88 (lady 13) Hatty Nylan 1:43:59; 96 (lady 16) Beverley Holmes 1:45:15; 106 (lady 18) Fiona Armer 1:50:30; 113 Paul Cruthers 1:51:53; 118 (lady 23) Elise Milnes 1:53:13; 121 (lady 25) Helen Hodgkinson 1:55:48; 126 (lady 26) Sue Roberts 1:57:16.



The third round of the Red Rose Cross Country League visited Leverhulme Park in Bolton for the most challenging course so far, including a refreshing stream crossing.

A strong performance from the men’s team saw them finish in 6th place, with the ladies team finishing in 14th position.

Race You To The Summit | Hyndburn Cross Country | Withins Skyline Fell Race

Todmorden Harriers started the weekend in fine form with all five who tackled the ‘Race you to the Summit’ fell race taking home prizes.


The route was slightly longer than the usual 4 miles as it climbed from the Summit Inn up to the Whitehouse and back down again.

Sean Carey in 6th, Darren Graham in 12th and Dan Taylor in 23rd won the men’s team prize, whilst Hatty Nylan finished 3rd lady, and Elise Milnes 6th lady.



The Red Rose Cross Country League continued with its second fixture at Hyndburn on Saturday afternoon.

Jack Crummett was the first Harrier in action in the U13 boy’s race, where he finished in 10th place.

The ladies then took on the 5km course, with Kath Brierley leading the way with 28th place, and 3rd v50. She was followed by Lucy Hobbs and Mel Robertson to take the ladies team into a provisional 12th place. Andrea Marshall and Mandy Goth completed the woodland course in 85th and 88th respectively.

The men’s team improved on their performance in the first race, to finish in 6th position.

Jon Wright led them in with 19th place and 3rd v40. A highly competitive battle then saw Dwane Dixon, Nick Barber and John Lloyd finish with seconds of each other, with Robin Tuddenham and Martin Stork the other counters.

Dan Taylor and Richard Butterwick finished in 103rd and 165th respectively.



On Sunday, the Withins Skyline Fell Race formed the final race in the club’s fell championship.

The 7 mile route began in Penistone Quarry, near Howarth, and climbed upwards toward the Stoop stone, passing along the skyline to the ruin of Top Withins. A descent to Bronte Bridge was followed by a stiff climb and a long run back to the final climb up to the finish.

Robin Tuddenham was the first Harrier to finish in 33rd place, after pulling out a lead on Paul Hobbs on the final climb. Dan Taylor completed his third race of the weekend with 76th place.

Hatty Nylan was the first Todmorden lady in 227th, just ahead of Chris Preston in 237th place.

Todmorden results: 33 Robin Tuddenham 50:29; 42 Paul Hobbs 51:09; 76 Dan Taylor 54:36; 90 Darren Tweed 55:29; 123 Simon Galloway 58:13; 128 Clive Greatorex 58:28; 181 Phil Hodgson 1:01:36; 212 Keith Parkinson 1:04:03; 221 Keith Drinkwater 1:04:47; 227 Hatty Nylan 1:05:15; 237 Christine Preston 1:05:51; 258 Elise Milnes 1:07:46; 269 Kevin Coughlan 1:08:44; 277 Sue Roberts 1:09:53; 298 Mandy Goth 1:13:48; 301 Dave O'Neill 1:14:51; 312 Louise Abdy 1:18:27; 316 Richard Butterwick 1:28:13; 322 Myra Wells 1:53:00.

Good Shepherd Fell Race | Leigh Cross Country | Beefy's Nab Fell Race

Todmorden Harriers were in action on several fronts at the weekend.

The Good Shepherd Fell Race attracted over 100 runners to Mytholmroyd on Saturday morning despite the rainy weather. The 14 mile route started from Dauber Bridge and looped around the moors, passing over Stoodley Pike twice and returning via Robin Hood Rocks to the Good Shepherd Centre.

Calder Valley’s James Logue improved on his own course record to win in a time of 1:42:20.

Nick Barber was the first Todmorden runner in 8th place, with Paul Hobbs in 17th place and Dan Taylor in 28th position.

The ladies record was also bettered by Calder Valley’s Anne Johnson, with Mel Blackhurst finishing second lady for Todmorden and Bev Holmes ninth lady.

Todmorden Results: 8 Nick Barber 1:52:54; 17 Paul Hobbs 2:00:52; 28 Dan Taylor 2:11:18; 38 David Baldaro 2:18:33; 40 Melanie Blackhurst 2:19:15; 41 Kevin Booth 2:19:23; 71 Bev Holmes 2:36:05; 101 Julie Wyatt 3:22:18; 102 Moyra Parfitt 3:22:19; 103 Elise Milnes 3:22:20.


On Saturday afternoon Todmorden made a respectable return to the Red Rose Cross Country League with a seventh place for the men’s team at the opening race of the season held at Leigh Sports Village.

The fixture was the first of four in this year’s competition, and was the first time for several years that the club had entered a team. In the men’s race John Lloyd led the way for the club with 19th place, followed by Robin Tuddenham in 26th and Martin Stork in 41st position.

Sean Carey completed the course in 55th, despite a fall, with Ben Crowther in 72nd place. Simon Anderton was 101st, with Richard Butterwick finishing in 135th position.

Kath Brierley completed the ladies 5k course in 31st place, and 3rd v50, with Mel Robertson in 59th position, and 5th v50. Jack Crummett finished 12th in the U13 boys race.


On Sunday, a short trip to a very wet Oxenhope beckoned for Beefy’s Nab Fell Race, which was the final race in the club’s Trail Championship.

Dwane Dixon finished in 4th place, ahead of John Lloyd in 6th place, which was sufficient to keep him at the head of the table and win the Trail Championship.

Hatty Nylan won the ladies race, with Helen Hodgkinson finishing first v40 lady.

Elise Milnes completed the course to be crowned ladies Trail Champion.

Todmorden Results: 4 Dwane Dixon 21:52; 6 John Lloyd 22:11; 15 Dan Taylor 25:35; 19 Peter Clarke 26:27; 24 Hatty Nylan 27:32; 34 Helen Hodgkinson 29:53; 35 Richard Butterwick 31:29; 36 Kevin Coughlan 31:40; 39 Graham Milnes 32:12; 40 Andrea Marshall 32:15; 41 Elise Milnes 32:23; 43 Sue Roberts 32:36; 48 Dave O’Neill 36:46; 49 Kathy Bridger 39:18; 51 Myra Wells 44:52.


Lauren Jeska lined up on the elite women’s start for the Great Yorkshire Run 10k in Sheffield and finished in 5th place in 35:33, only 8 seconds outside a personal best time on a testing course.

Sarah May tackled the Chester Marathon, completing the 26 miles in 3:09:44 to finish 13th lady.