Todmorden Harriers 2010 Presentation Evening

Todmorden Harriers’ annual presentation evening took place at Todmorden Cricket Club, on Saturday, as the club celebrated an extremely successful year.

Outgoing club president Jim Smith handed over to new president Graeme Wrench, as they made a joint presentation to mark Lauren Jeska and Moira Parfitt’s gold medal winning performances in the English Fell Championships.

Phil Hodgson then proposed a toast to two former Todmorden Harriers who had sadly passed away during 2010, Brian Hargreaves and John McDonagh. A memorial 5k race in their honour is to be held in Littleborough, organised by Andy O’Sullivan, on Sunday 27th February 2011.

Phil then continued to give a review of the year, highlighting the many successes of both individuals and teams, particularly in the English Championships where, in addition to the individual gold medallists, all of Todmorden’s teams had improved their positions from the year before.

Club Chairman Mandy Goth then announced the winners of the club competitions, with awards being handed out by Graeme Wrench.

Jon Wright was awarded the men’s Fell Champion Trophy, with Lauren Jeska receiving the ladies Fell Champion Trophy.

Age category awards were also made to Andrew Horsfall (v45), Dave Collins (v50, Peter Ehrhardt (v60) and Richard Blakely (v65). Kath Brierley (lv45) and Jane Leonard (lv50) were category winners for the ladies in the fell championship.

Nick Barber was crowned club Road Champion, with Mel Blackhurst adding her name onto the Ladies Road Trophy once again.

Age category awards in the road championship went to Mark Anderton (v45), Nigel Hanson (v50), Peter Ehrhardt (v60), Ian Stansfield (v65), Mel Robertson (lv45) and Elise Milnes (lv50).



The Grand Prix Champion, awarded for performance on road and fell, went to Jon Wright. Dave O’Neill received a tankard to mark his 10th qualification for the Club Grand Prix.

Nick Barber was crowned Club Champion, a trophy that reflects all round ability on the road and fells at a range of short, medium and long distances.

Not surprisingly, Nick was also awarded the ‘Most Improved Runner of the Year’ award to reflect the effort and progress he has made this year.

On a less athletic front, Nick was also awarded the ‘Toilet Seat’ trophy which is awarded to the Harrier who has the most running related mishaps during the year.

Club Secretary Derek Donohue then stepped in to make the final award of the evening, that of ‘Clubman of the Year’ which is voted for by Harriers on the evening. This year it was presented to Graeme Wrench to reflect the enormous contribution he makes as club coach towards the improvement of its runners at all levels.

Wesham 10k

Todmorden Harriers 2010 Club Road Championship reached a dramatic climax at the Wesham 10k on Saturday, as Nick Barber snatched the trophy from yearlong leader Martin Stork.
Seventeen Harriers travelled across to a chilly Fylde Peninsular to join 436 runners for this popular undulating race.
Nick Barber, who was attempting his first 10k road race, stuck to his race plan to finish in 12th place, in a time of 34:44.
Martin Stork ran a personal best time for the distance in 37:58 and 38th place, to finish the year in 2nd place in the Championship.
Sarah May completed the course in 38:54 to claim the prize for second female and 55th overall, with Mark Anderton finishing in 62nd.
After Richard Butterwick finished in 114th, Mel Blackhurst crossed the line in 147th, and 21st lady, to confirm her as the Ladies Road Champion.

Todmorden Results: 12 Nick Barber 34:44; 36 Martin Stork 37:56; 55 Sarah May 38:54; 61 Mark Anderton 39:37; 114 Richard Butterwick 43:11; 143 Melanie Blackhurst 44:47; 178 Richard Blakeley 46:01; 209 Elise Milnes 48:11; 224 Peter Ehrhardt 48:47; 231 Melanie Robertson 49:01; 236 Bev Wright 49:25; 287 Mandy Goth 52:33; 301 Wayne Morrison 53:28; 322 Moyra Parfitt 54:03; 339 Graham Milnes 55:05; 352 Myra Wells 55:52; 369 Barry Chapman 58:06.

SportSunday Pics...

Steve Bateson's Pics...

Smarna Gora | Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay | Burnley Fire 7 | Ravenstones

Lauren Jeska travelled to Slovenia for the final race in the World Mountain Running Grand Prix at the weekend. The 10k Smarna Gora Race near Ljubljana featured two climbs but only one descent meaning over 2000 feet of ascent but only 1000 feet of descent with an uphill finish.

Austria’s Andrea Mayr, who already had an unassailable lead in the series, put on an outstanding display to lead from start to finish, winning in a time of 48:48. Despite suffering from illness in the days leading up to the race which nearly led to her withdrawal, Lauren completed the course in 54:23 to take 5th place on the day ahead of Anna Frost of New Zealand and fellow English runner Emma Clayton. This was sufficient for Lauren to finish the >world series in 2nd place marking another high point in her exceptional year.



Todmorden sent two teams to Brotherswater in the Lake District for the Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay on Sunday. The relay features 4 legs each run in pair over a total distance of 25 miles featuring 8500 feet of ascent and descent. Rain and wet conditions underfoot together with patches of cloud on the hill tops meant for a tough day out.

Borrowable left it late as they overhauled Pudsey & Bramley on the final leg to win by just 26 seconds in an aggregate time of 3:44:21, with Calder Valley finishing in 3rd place just under the 4 hour mark.
Todmorden Men’s team finished in 16th place and the ladies team were 10th ladies team.

Also on Sunday, twelve Harriers took part in the Burnley Fire 7 mile race which was a counter in the club’s Road Championship. The route started from the Fire Station, passing Turf Moor and climbing up past Towneley Park. After an undulating stretch along Todmorden Road the race turned up Red Lees Road for a final steep climb. The last 3 miles were then mainly downhill as the route returned to the fire station. Runners splashed their way around the course with torrential rain throughout.

Darren Tweed was the first Harrier to finish, ahead of Richard Butterwick and Mick Craven. First Todmorden lady was Maria Prescott followed by Mel Robertson and Mel Blackhurst, with Moyra Parfitt winning the v65 prize.



On Saturday, a handful of Harriers had the pick of the weekend weather at the Ravenstones Brow Fell Race. The 10 mile route featured over 1250 feet of ascent and though conditions underfoot were wet and muddy, including a deeper than usual stream crossing, there was at least dry and sunny weather overhead for the 71 runners.

Martin Roberts was the first Todmorden runner in 12th place, with James Riley in 19th and Angus Barclay in 38th. Louise Abdy finished in 57th and Sue Roberts in 63rd, being 9th and 10th ladies respectively.

Ron Hill 72nd Birthday 5k | Thieveley Pike Fell Race | Langdale Half Marathon

Eleven Todmorden Harriers joined over 300 runners at Littleborough on Thursday evening to celebrate the 72nd birthday of Ron Hill with the annual 5k race organised by Andy O’Sullivan.

Jon Wright finished in 6th place, and first v40, in a time of 16:36, a minute behind winner Andy Norman of Altringham. Martin Stork recorded a time of 18:53 to finish in 33rd just ahead of Paul Hobbs in 40th, making a rare appearance on the road, crossing the line at 19:11.

Emma Osenton was the first Todmorden lady in 23:49, followed by Mel Robertson stopping the clock at 24:48 and Bev Wright in 25:08.



Picture by Keith Parkinson

Steve Bateson's Ron Hill Birthday 5k Pics...
 

Todmorden Harriers turned out in force at the Thieveley Pike Fell Race on Saturday. The 4.25 mile route from Holme Chapel features over 1300 feet of ascent including a near vertical scramble up to Stone House Edge. After a brief respite, a further climb took them to a ridge traverse to the Pike. A steep descent tested the nerves before the final climb took them back to Stone House Edge and a rough descent led to the undulating finish along the Pennine Bridleway.



Andrew Wrench finished in 6th place to claim the v45 prize and Lauren Jeska finished in 12th and 1st lady. The ladies team once again won the team prize, with Claire Duffield 3rd lady and Maria Prescott 14th. Moyra Parfitt added a v65 win to another successful club outing.



Nick Barber finished less than a minute behind Wrench in 8th place, with Dave Collins in 30th and Paul Hobbs in 42nd amongst the 13 Todmorden finishers.

Steve Bateson's Thieveley Pike Pics...

Only two Todmorden runners travelled to the Great Langdale Half Marathon for the latest Road Championship counter. After Elise Milnes was forced to withdraw mid-way with an injury, Mel Blackhurst was the sole Todmorden runner, completing the hilly course in 1:46:37, finishing 2nd v45.

Cowm Reservoir 4.2 | Hades Hill | Good Shepherd | Norland Moor

Todmorden Harriers' Road Championship was back on the agenda this week with the shortest of this year’s counters, the 4.2 mile multi terrain Graham Wright Cowm Reservoir Race at Whitworth on Wednesday.

After living with the early pace of Barnsley’s Shaun Dimelow, who won in a time of 23:23, Jon Wright had to settle for 2nd place in 24:00 with Nick Barber in 5th in 24:41. Paul Brannigan managed to edge in front of Martin Stork as they fought over 13th place to the end.

Mel Robertson was the first Todmorden lady to finish, followed by Myra Wells.

Tod results: 2 J. Wright 24:00; 5 N. Barber 24:41; 13 P. Brannigan 26:51; 14 M. Stork 26:52; 17 D. Tweed 27:45; 21 M. Anderton 28:35; 23 J. Riley 28:46; 31 R. Butterwick 30:07; 43 R. Blakeley 31:42; 67 Melanie Robertson 35:35; 71 N. Hanson 35:49; 74 P. Ehrhardt 37:22; 81 D. O'Neil 38:33; 91 Myra Wells 42:47; 96 I Stansfield 48:49; 98 J. Newby 56:48.


On the other side of the Whitworth valley, Sean Carey put in a strong performance on Thursday at the Hades Hill Fell Race. Organised by Harrier Derek Clutterbuck, the 5 mile route climbed up and over Brown Wardle Hill. After dropping down there was then a further climb to the top of Hades Hill, before a return via the same route to the finish near Lobden Golf Club.

Traditionally the race is the last evening fell race of the summer, and whilst held in pleasant warm sunny conditions, recent rainfall meant there were plenty of boggy patches to negotiate and it was heavy going underfoot at times.

Sean was in control from the steep start up Whitworth Rake, holding his lead throughout to cross the finish line in 34:18, 38 seconds ahead of Steve Smithies of Calder Valley. James Riley was the next Harrier to finish in 26th with Simon Galloway in 29th. Dan Taylor and Richard Butterwick completed the Todmorden men’s turnout in 43rd and 67th respectively.

Mandy Goth was the first Todmorden lady in 76th just ahead of Myra Wells in 78th.


On Saturday, the Good Shepherd Fell Race from Mythomlroyd featured in the club’s Fell Championship. The 14 mile route included over 2000 feet of ascent and runners experienced an unwelcome early drenching from a heavy shower as they climbed up from the start at Dauber Bridge through Spring Wood towards Stoodley Pike. After a loop passing around Withens Clough, a climb up to the Cloven Stone and along Warland Drain, they reached London Road for another climb towards Stoodley Pike again. A long descent into Cragg Vale led to the final climb of the day past Robin Hood Rocks and the long run into the finish at the Good Shepherd in Mytholmroyd.

Won by the host club’s Steve Smithies in 1:57:14, Darren Tweed and Peter Bowles led the Harriers home in 6th and 7th places. Mel Blackhurst was the first lady overall, and along with Jane Leonard and Sue Roberts they won the ladies team prize.

Tod results: 6 Darren Tweed 2:10:55; 7 Peter Bowles 2:12:03; 19 Clive Greatorex 2:19:15; 22 Mick Craven 2:23:29; 27 Melanie Blackhurst 2:27:10; 31 Richard Leonard 2:33:34; 32 Jane Leonard 2:35:59; 34 Richard Blakeley 2:40:50; 35 Paul Carruthers 2:44:11; 42 Sue Roberts 2:52:32; 43 Peter Ehrhardt 2:59:30; 46 Elise Milnes 3:09:03; 47 Moira Parfitt 3:09:06.



It was another local race on Sunday with Halifax Harrier’s Norland Moor Trail Race. The 6.3 mile route started at Copley and climbed through woodland for a circuit around the moor. After a steep descent, runners returned via the Calder riverbank for the run in to the finish.

Robin Tuddenham found the terrain to his liking and finished in 2nd place, and first v40, with Martin Stork and Martin Roberts both finishing in the top 15. After Dan Taylor had crossed the line, Mel Robertson took the honour of being first Todmorden lady ahead of Andrea Marshall.

Belper Rugby Rover | Pilgrim's Cross

Todmorden Harriers travelled to the Derbyshire for the longest race in this year’s Road Championship. Once voted the 11th best race in the UK, the Belper Rugby Rover is a hilly 30km trail race that weaved its way through the heart of the Derwent Valley along the Midshires Way, roman roads, paths and tracks.

Nick Barber was the first Harrier to finish in 5th place, in 2 hours 11 minutes and 55 seconds, just 5 minutes behind race winner Richard Pattison. He was followed by Mark Anderton with first Todmorden lady Elise Milnes finishing in 3 hours 9 minutes and Julie Wyant completing the quartet who had made the journey.

Todmorden Results: 5 Nick Barber 2:11:55; 150 Mark Anderton 2:52:45; 206 Elise Milnes 3:09:26; 303 Julie Wyant 3:36:46.

Sean Carey recorded another senior win at the Pilgrim’s Cross Fell Race on Wednesday. The race is part of Rossendale Harriers mid week series and followed his 2nd place a week earlier at the Whittle Pike Fell Race. The Todmorden runner was a comfortable winner in 39:16 ahead of fellow under 18 Joe Johnston, of Rossendale, who finished 36 seconds behind.

Cliviger 6 | Healey Reservoir 5k

Todmorden Harrier’s Road Championship continued on Sunday with the Cliviger Six. Starting from Mount Lane Sports Field the route began with a stiff climb up Red Lees Road. A gentle downhill then took the runners into and through Towneley Park. More uphill followed as they passed by Towneley Hall and exited the park for an undulating return along Todmorden Road, which led to the last climb back up Red Lees Road to the finish in the sports field.


Jon Wright was the first Harrier to finish in 7th place closely followed by Nick Barber in 9th and Paul Brannigan in 14th. After Martin Stork had crossed the line, a close battle between Mark Anderton, Kevin Booth and Darren Tweed saw just 6 seconds between them at the end.

Maria Prescott finished first Todmorden lady followed by Elise Milnes, who won the first v50 prize, and Mel Robertson.

Todmorden Results: 7 Jon Wright 34:53; 9 Nick Barber 35:09; 14 Paul Brannigan 37:02; 25 Martin Stork 38:38; 38 Mark Anderton 39:44; 39 Kevin Booth 39:47; 40 Darren Tweed 39:50; 72 Richard Butterwick 43:19; 87 Maria Prescott 45:12; 96 Phil Cook 46:24; 112 Elise Milnes 48:39; 117 Melanie Robertson 49:59; 118 Peter Ehrhardt 50:05; 130 David O'Neill 54:57; 131 Graham Milnes 55:11; 141 Myra Wells 1:00:08; 147 Ian Stansfield 1:05:12.

The previous Tuesday had seen five Todmorden Harriers take on the Emily Hughes Healey Reservoir Dash at Whitworth. The 5k multi terrain race included sections of road, rocky track and two laps of the reservoir with Richard Butterwick first Harrier back in 13th place, followed by Peter Ehrhardt in 27th and first v60. Myra Wells was the sole Todmorden lady in 34th, with Ian Stansfield in 39th and Jon Newby in 44th.

Midsummer Madness [Whicken Hill Whizz, Reservoir Bogs,Tom Tittiman] | Hendon Brook 13.5

Todmorden Harriers were well represented at the Midsummer Madness Series, organised by Calder Valley Fell Runners, with five Harriers completing all three races, which took place on consecutive days. Starting from Mytholmroyd on Friday evening the opening race was 3 mile Whicken Hill Whizz, a steep climb up to the Sheepstones trig point and back down.

Sean Carey finished in 4th, and 1st U18, for the Harriers with Paul Hobbs in 9th and Jackson Cowie 14th, and 1st U16. Todmorden Ladies added another team prize, with Jane Leonard 3rd lady, Fiona Armer 7th and Louise Abdy 9th.

The following day saw a move to Chiserley for the 7.5 mile Reservoir Bogs race, which was also a counter in the club’s fell championship. The race route was unmarked and runners did not find out the location of the checkpoints until the morning of the race. They were then faced with a quick decision as to which route to take between the checkpoints.

This time it was the turn of the Todmorden Men to take the team prize with Jon Wright in 2nd, Andrew Wrench in 4th and Andrew Horsfall in 7th.

The ladies finished 2nd team with Chris Preston 3rd lady, Jane Leonard 4th and Louise Abdy 8th, leading the way. Sean Carey continued his challenge as he won the U18 race.

The final race on Sunday was the 4 mile Tom Tittiman Race from Chiserley, with Sean Carey finishing 3rd to take the Series U18 win and new Harrier Robin Tuddenham made a flying start with the club in 7th. Paul Hobbs finished 11th to place him 3rd in the senior Series ahead of Ben Crowther in 5th.

Jane Leonard finished the ladies Series in 3rd, with Fiona Armer narrowly pipping Louise Abdy for 6th.

On Sunday, the 13.5 mile Hendon Brook road race was a counter for the club’s Road Championship. The hilly race is highly rated as one of the most scenic, and toughest, races and despite a change of date this year once again was run in hot and sunny conditions.

Darren Tweed and Kevin Booth ran a close race with Darren eventually crossing the line in 1:44:30, a half minute ahead of his team mate as they finished 32nd and 33rd respectively.

Keith Parkinson was the next Harrier in 51st with Mel Blackhurst just behind, winning the FV45 category. Elise Milnes finished 2nd LV50, followed by Nigel Hanson and Ian Stansfield 1st V65.

Ennerdale Horseshoe | Hebden Bridge Fell Race | Otley 10

Todmorden Harriers’ Ladies won the team prize at the English Fell Championships on Saturday. The Ennerdale Horseshoe Fell Race was the third of the six races that make up the championship, and was also the longest at 23 miles, with over 7,500 feet of ascent and descent. Starting and finishing at Ennerdale Scout Camp the epic route travelled over the many peaks surrounding Ennerdale Water, with warm weather adding to the challenge.

Lauren Jeska maintained her challenge for a medal with 5th place, in what is unfolding as one of the most competitive ladies championships in recent years. The next counter is in a fortnight with the first short race in the series at Sedburgh, but the destiny of the medals is not likely to be settled until the final race in September.

Jane Leonard continued her comeback from injury with 15th place, and 2nd V50, with Sarah Warburton and Kath Brierley the other victorious team prize winners.

Rob Jebb of Bingley won the men’s race, holding off Dark Peak’s fast finishing Lloyd Taggart. Jon Wright was Todmorden’s first counter in 14th, with Alistair Rhodes-Dawson and Nick Barber in 61st and 67th respectively.

Todmorden Results: 14 Jonathan Wright 4:03:02; 61 Alastair Rhodes-Dawson 4:36:38; 67 Nick Barber 4:40:16; 74 Lauren Jeska 4:44:25; 108 Oz Kershaw 5:02:04; 136 Phil Hodgson 5:13:00; 137 Dave Collins 5:14:04; 151 Clive Greatorex 5:19:11; 157 Jane Leonard 5:22:42; 195 Sarah Warburton 5:38:16; 221 Kath Brierley 5:48:05; 239= Ben Crowther 5:55:56; 239= Richard Leonard 5:55:56; 247 Kevin Booth 5:59:36; 267= Louise Abdy 6:47:45; 278 David Wilson 7:28:23.

The Hebden Bridge Fell Race, organised by Todmorden Harriers, took place in cool and breezy conditions last Thursday evening. Starting and finishing at Calder Holmes Park the 5.8 mile race followed a looping route over Erringdon Moor up to Stoodley Pike taking in 1150 feet of ascent.

The race quickly developed into a two way battle between Calder Valley’s Karl Gray and Alex Whittem, with Gray eventually pulling out a 40 second lead on the descent to win in a new course record time of 42:41.

Todmorden’s Sean Carey finished in 4th place narrowly losing out to Pudsey’s Colin Walker in their race long tussle for 3rd. Paul Hobbs was the next Harrier in 8th with Peter Bowles in 14th.

Chris Preston finished 2nd lady and Patsy Reilly 3rd lady for Todmorden behind Calder Valley’s Jackie Scarf.

The club’s final summer fell race is the 3.5 mile Stoodley Pike Fell Race, which takes place on Tuesday 6th July.

Todmorden Results: 4 Sean Carey 44.49; 8 Paul Hobbs 48.03; 14 Peter Bowles 50.32; 18 Martin Roberts 53.36; 22 Paul Brannigan 55.14; 28 Paul Cotton 55.47; 32 Deon Bamford 56.35; 34 Lee McCluskey 57.03; 37 Peter Clarke 57.18; 38 Andrew Bibby 57.29; 40 Paul Cruthers 57.42; 45 Richard Blakeley 60.36; 52 Chris Preston 61.58; 54 Derek Donohue 62.27; 60 Patsy Reilly 66.42.


On Tuesday, the latest round of the club’s Road Championship took place, with the Otley 10. Six Harriers tackled the 10 mile undulating scenic route with Paul Brannigan first Harrier home. Mel Blackhurst was next ahead of Nigel Hanson and 1st V65 Moira Parfitt. Mel Siddall was next to finish with Ian Stansfield completing the club entry.

Coniston Fell Race | Bluebell 10 Trail

It was a busy Bank Holiday for Todmorden Harriers starting with the English Championship Fell Race at Coniston. The 9 mile race is always a favourite and once again saw a strong turnout from the club.
The race started in the village in brilliant sunshine and quickly climbed up the steep Mouldry Bank on its way up the relentless ascent of Wetherlam. After a fast descent the runners then scrambled up to Swirl How and followed the ridge across to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston. Increasing cloud then gave way to a brief hail shower, followed by rain that made the steep rocky descent all the more treacherous. It was here that Bingley’s Ian Holmes – who been outside the leading ten until then - made a decisive move to take an optimum line down the mountain and move into a lead that he retained to the end, crossing the line for his 9th victory on the course.

Jon Wright was Todmorden’s first finisher, closing fast on Calder Valley’s Alex Whittem to the line. Andrew Wrench was next to complete the course, followed by an in form Lauren Jeska who took 3rd lady behind Scunthorpe’s Emma Clayton and Altringham’s Olivia Walwyn, who lost her lead after a fall in the last mile.

Alistair Rhodes-Dawson was the next Harrier followed by Andrew Horsfall and Dave Collins. The ladies team had a strong showing with Sarah May and Rachel Skinner also achieving high places.

On Sunday, the outskirts of Halifax were the setting for the 10.3 mile Bluebell Trail Race organised by Stainland Lions. The popular course follows an undulating route along trails, tracks, minor roads and bluebell woods and has a unique river crossing to finish. Paul Hobbs led the way for the Todmorden club with 20th place

Todmorden Results: 20 Paul Hobbs 1:17:12; 38 Mark Anderton 1:19:49; 39 Martin Stork 1:19:50; 49 Darren Tweed 1:21:17; 53 Kevin Booth 1:22:32; 137 Phil Cook 1:33:02; 144 Paul Cruthers 1:33:27; 200 Elise Milnes 1:39:36; 209 Peter Ehrhardt 1:41:28; 259 Graham Milnes 1:48:49; 273 Melanie Robertson 1:50:42; 307 Nigel Hanson 1:55:04; 382 Katy Moore 2:09:44.

Liver Hill Fell Race | Robinsons 5k | Salford 10k | Pendle Fell Race

A busy Easter week for Todmorden Harriers started off on Tuesday with the Liver Hill Fell Race. The 5mile race features 800 feet of ascent and the 140 competitors were rewarded with a crème egg for their efforts.

Sean Carey continued his recent good form with 2nd place overall, and first under 18, in the senior race with Kath Brierley finishing 7th lady, and 1st vet45.

In the junior races Jack Crummett recorded a hard fought victory in the Under 12s race narrowly edging out Calder Valley’s Tom Nelson by 5 seconds.

On Wednesday a trio of Harriers warmed up with the Colin & Brenda Robinson 5k at Littleborough. Andrew Horsfall was the first to cross the line in 18:50 and 38th place, with Keith Parkinson in 79th at 20:59 and Myra Wells in 191st with a time of 29:08.

The Club’s Road Championship took to the streets of Salford for Friday’s fast flat 10k, which attracted a high quality 600 strong field around its two lap course. Holmfirth’s Mark Buckingham won the race in 29:59; just 8 seconds ahead of team mate Matthew Pierson.

Jon Wright led the Todmorden entry with 24th place, ahead of Andy Wrench in 32nd. Martin Stork edged out Mark Anderton in the final straight to retain his position at the top of the road championship table. Sarah May led in the Todmorden ladies finishing as 7th female.

Todmorden Results: 24 Jon Wright 33:54; 32 Andy Wrench 34:22; 125 Martin Stork 39:15; 129 Mark Anderton 39:21; 140 Sarah May 39:45; 153 Richard Butterwick 40:01; 180 Darren Tweed 41:02; 272 Mel Blackhurst 44:47; 325 Mel Siddall 46:56; 453 Mel Robertson 54:16; 523 Myra Wells 59:08.


On Saturday it was the turn of the Club Fell Championship to take centre stage at Pendle Hill for the 4.5 mile short race, where both of Todmorden’s star performers of 2010 once again rose to the challenge.

Starting from Barley, the route climbed part way towards the summit before plunging down and then taking the runners up a lung busting climb back up the steep side of Big End, followed by a fast descent back to the village.

Salford’s John Brown took the win ahead of Pudsey & Bramley’s Graham Pearce as more than 200 runners turned out. Sean Carey was once again first Todmorden finisher in 12th place with Lauren Jeska recording another fine first place in the ladies race.

Todmorden Results: 12 Sean Carey 37:02; 25 Lauren Jeska 38:40; 37 Andrew Horsfall 39:55; 43 Ben Crowther 40:35; 58 Stephen Brandwood 42:13; 73 Kevin Booth 43:26; 95 James Riley 45:20; 124 Keith Parkinson 47:26; 138 Richard Leonard 49:10; 142 Peter Jackson 49:23; 158 Jane E Leonard 51:17; 204 David O'Neill 1:03:57.

Fiendsdale | Lytham 10

Lauren Jeska had an inspired run to sensationally finish first lady, and 8th overall, at the Fiendsdale Fell Race on Saturday. An amended route meant the 6.5 mile Lakeland race featured 2200 feet of ascent over boggy ground and was run in rainy conditions.

After an early battle with Emma Clayton, Lauren left the English Championship bronze medallist trailing in her wake as she extended her lead throughout the race to eventually finish 10 minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

Dave Collins was next Todmorden runner to finish in 15th, taking the 3rd vet50 prize. Richard Leonard finished 51st and Jane Leonard, continuing her return from injury in 58th, and 2nd lady vet50.


On Sunday eleven Harriers travelled to the Lytham sea front for the 10 mile out and back road race organised by the local Fire Service. Steve Littler of Wesham won the race in a time of 53:40. Nick Barber was having an inspired run for the Todmorden club lying in 7th place out of over 350 runners, before being forced to retire just a mile short of the end.

Martin Stork was therefore the first Todmorden man over the finish line in a time of 1:06:24 to take 56th place, holding off a late challenge from Richard Butterwick, having a 3 second advantage for the second successive Road Championship race.
Mel Blackhurst was first Todmorden lady home ahead of Elise Milnes.

Todmorden Results: 58 Martin Stork 1:06:24; 59 Richard Butterwick 1:06:27; 133 Mel Blackhurst 1:14:15; 211 Elise Milnes 1:23:03; 217 Peter Ehrhardt 1:23:29; 219 Nigel Hanson 1:23:36; 237 Mel Robertson 1:24:39; 306 Barry Chapman 1:35:48; 321 Graham Milnes 1:38:24; 328 Myra Wells 1:39:34.

Huddersfield 10k

On Sunday the focus switched to the roads, for the next instalment of Todmorden Harriers Club Road Championship at the hilly Huddersfield 10k.

Paul Brannigan set the pace for the 17 Harriers competing, finishing in 21st place in a time of 40:11 on the testing course, winning 2nd prize in the vet45 category in the process. Martin Stork triumphed in a sprint to the line over a fast finishing Richard Butterwick, with David Baldaro following them across the line.

2009 Ladies Road Champion Lucy Hobbs completed the course, despite suffering an injury, to be Todmorden’s first lady finisher and 2nd vet40 overall, ahead of Elise Milnes and Bev Wright.

Todmorden Results: 20 Paul Brannigan 40:11; 36 Martin Stork 42:27; 37 Richard Butterwick 42:30; 45 David Baldaro 42:58; 115 Richard O'Sullivan 47:29; 147 Lucy Hobbs 49:15; 169 Elise Milnes 50:02; 235 Peter Ehrhardt 52:53; 240 Beverley Wright 53:20; 280 Nigel Hanson 55:36; 323 Melanie Robertson 55:36; 334 Rachel Henthorne 58:07; 362 David Henthorne 59:41; 371 David O'Neill 1:00:12; 392 Graham Milnes 1:02:10; 399 Barry Chapman 1:02:52; 421 Myra Wells 1:05:37.

Liversedge Half

Todmorden Harriers 2010 Club Road Championship opened with the Liversedge Half Marathon on Sunday. Twelve Harriers tackled the 13.1 mile race which followed an undulating hilly course starting and finishing at Roberttown, travelling through Liversedge, Bailiff Bridge and Brighouse.


Mark Anderton continued his fine start to the year to finish in 35th place in a quality field of over 400, with the race won by Edward Mitchell in a quick time of 1:13:16.


Martin Stork and David Baldaro battled throughout with just 12 seconds separating them at the finish.


Karen Gray – completing her 2nd half marathon in successive weekends – was Todmorden’s first lady finisher winning the 2nd vet45 prize, finishing just 6 seconds behind club mate Richard O’Sullivan.

Mel Blackhurst followed them home, to also take 2nd prize in the vet40 category.

Todmorden Results: 35 Mark Anderton 01:29:57; 52 Martin Stork 01:32:10; 54 David Baldaro 01:32:22; 79 Richard Butterwick 01:36:01; 111 Richard O'Sullivan 01:40:00; 112 Karen Gray 01:40:06; 130 Mel Blackhurst 01:41:56; 238 Bev Wright 01:53:50; 305 Wayne Morrison 2:02:19; 314 Mel Robertson 2:04:45; 394 Myra Wells 2:24:39.