Roddlesworth Roller

Fourteen members of Todmorden Harriers made their way to Abbey Village near Chorley for Sunday’s Roddlesworth Roller 9k Trail Race.

The route, described as undulating and tough, winds past the reservoir, then climbs up through woods to the top of the course. After a dash down the road, it’s back onto the trails for the run to the finish.

The race was won by Chris Singleton of Trawden AC in an excellent time of 33 mins 33 secs. Darren Tweed was Harrier back in his first Grand Prix race of the year.

There were category wins for Andrew Bibby at V60 and Elise Milnes at V50, both continuing last year’s good form.

A good day out was enjoyed by all with cake at the finish.

The next Grand Prix events are the Trimple 20 this Sunday in the road championship and a short race in the fell championships at Midgley Moor on Match 23.

Todmorden Harriers times: Darren Tweed 38.18, Michael Harper 40.36, Guy Whitmore 41.47, Andy Glyde 42.53, Simon Galloway 43.25, Andrew Bibby 43.49, Richard O’Sullivan 46.54, Elise Milnes 48.01, Julie Wyant 52.30, Peter Ehrhardt 52.39, Chris Drinkwater 52.45, Helen Wilson 52.50, David Wilson 54.09, Graham Milnes 54.29.

Roddlesworth Roller | Spen 20 | Haworth Hobble | Ian Roberts Fell Race

Todmorden Harriers’ inaugural Trail Championship got off to a flyer on Sunday with the Roddlesworth Roller, with the club winning both the ladies and men’s team prizes.

Nineteen Harriers took on the undulating 6 mile course at Abbey Village near Chorley.

Martin Stork continued his current excellent form to finish in 6th place, with Dwane Dixon in 13th one place ahead of Paul Brannigan.

It was a remarkable run for Dwane, and for Elise Milnes, as both had completed the 32 mile Haworth Hobble the previous day.

Gemma Kendall made a dazzling debut for the club to finish first Todmorden lady, and 6th lady overall, over a minute ahead of Sarah Glyde who was 8th lady, with Jayne Williams 12th lady

Todmorden results: 6 Martin Stork 36:44; 13 Dwane Dixon 37:58; 14 Paul Brannigan 38:22; 30 Dan Taylor 40:27; 50 Simon Galloway 42:50; 52 Gemma Kendall 43:22; 66 Sarah Glyde 44:47; 77 Jayne Williams 46:18; 84 Kevin Coughlan 47:58; 92 Hatty 48:28; 95 Elise Milnes 48:41; 108 Peter Ehrhardt 50:05; 131 Rachel Henthorne 51:45; 136 David Henthorne 51:51; 148 Helen Hodgkinson 53:15; 150 Graham Milnes 53:36; 176 Mandy Goth 57:13; 178 David O'Neill 57:28; 206 James Smith 1:27:40.

Sport Sunday's Roddlesworth photos...

Several Harriers took part in the Spen 20 mile race, a favourite for those training for the London Marathon. Sarah May completed the course in 2:27:07, followed by Mel Blackhurst in 2:44:08, with Johnny Medcalf 2 seconds behind. Mel Robertson and Julie Wyant finished just past the 3 hour mark.

At the Haworth Hobble on Saturday, Oz Kershaw was the first Harrier to finish in 5:12:29 with Nick Barber and Robin Tuddenham, the third pair to complete the distance in 5:27:07.

Sean Carey was the sole Todmorden runner at the Ian Roberts Memorial Fell Race, where he repeated his win from a year ago. It was a hard fought victory as he triumphed in a close finish with Jack Ross of Mow Cop Runners, who was just three seconds behind.