Alice's Run 10k | Ben Nevis Race | Blackshawhead Fell Race | Littleborough Lions 5k

Todmorden Harriers’ club Trail Championship concluded at the weekend with Alice’s Run in Mytholmroyd, a 10k multi terrain race that weaves up and down the Calder Valley.


Although not running on the day, Paul Hobbs was crowned Trail Champion having already built up a sufficient lead in the earlier rounds.

On Sunday, 21 Harriers joined the 200 entrants in the Epilepsy Action race, with Paul Brannigan leading the way for the club in 3rd place, pursued by Darren Tweed in 5th place.

Dave Collins was first v50 and 11th overall, followed by Richard Butterwick in 16th and Guy Whitmore in 22nd position.

Kath Brierley finished 3rd lady, with Mel Blackhurst finishing 5th lady and Karen Gray 11th lady.

Elise Milnes and Moyra Parfitt picked up prizes for first v50 and first v60 ladies respectively.

Todmorden results: 3 Paul Brannigan 38:43; 5 Darren Tweed 41:22; 11 Dave Collins 42:55; 16 Richard Butterwick 45:02; 22 Guy Whitmore 45:30; 33 Kathleen Brierley 47:24; 35 Andy Glyde 47:45; 37 Phil Cook 47:49; 39 Melanie Blackhurst 48:14; 50 Chris Drinkwater 49:48; 52 Richard Blakeley 50:00; 65 Karen Gray 52:11; 67 David Leslie 52:33; 70 Fiona Armer 52:53; 73 Elise Milnes 53:28; 76 Ray Poulter 53:35; 79 Peter Ehrhardt 54:08; 83 Mel Whitmore 55:03; 85 Moyra Parfitt 55:14; 94 Graham Milnes 57:47; 125 Myra Wells 1:05:16.

Epilepsy Action photographs from Alice's Run...

Farmer Gizmo's Alices Run photos... & Tod Harriers...


At the Ben Nevis Mountain Race, Jon Wright once again claimed the Wallace Plaque for the highest placed police runner, finishing the 10 mile up and down route in 1:45:17 for 9th place overall out of over 450 finishers.

Marcel Ellison was the next Todmorden runner to finish in 69th position, improving on his previous best time by some margin to finish in 1:59:42.

Todmorden’s other finishers: 108 Andrew Horsfall 2:06:26; 142 Dan Taylor 2:11:56; 222 Phil Hodgson 2:22:14; 437 Mandy Goth 3:07:44; 438 Mick Howard 3:07:44.

On Saturday, the Blackshaw Head Fell Race attracted 66 runners to its 5.5 mile course.

First Harrier was Dwane Dixon in 4th place, followed by Andy McFie in 11th position. Hatty Nylan finished 5th lady.

Todmorden Results: 4 Dwane Dixon 39.04; 11 Andy McFie 43.29; 26 Simon Anderton 49.31; 27 Roger Haworth 49.32; 40 Hattie Nylan 52.57; 43 Mark Whittaker 53.50; 61 Reg Czudek 70.22; 62 Jo Rutter 72.24.

Farmer Gizmo's Blackshawhead Fell Race photos...



Bev Wright finished 3rd lady at the Littleborough Lions 5k, recording a time of 23:54 for 22nd place overall.

Richard Butterwick crossed the line in 20:08 for 7th, with Chris Drinkwater stopping the clock at 22:16 for 17th place.

Myra Wells finished in 39th position in a time of 28:52.

Borrowdale Fell Race | Cuerden Valley Badger 10k

Lauren Jeska retained the ladies title in the English Fell Running Championships at the Borrowdale Fell Race on Saturday, whilst Dwane Dixon scored his first championship points in the men’s competition.


Dwane finished in 46th place, covering the extremely tough 17 mile course, which features over 6000 feet of ascent and descent over several Lake District peaks, in 3:37:02.

Lauren finished third lady on the day in 3:41:02 for 57th overall, and with just two races to go in the six race series cannot be caught for the gold medal.

Dave Collins finished in 4:18:38, with Joe Daniels in 200th in a time of 4:38:25 and Mark Whitaker coming home just past the 5hr mark, in 5:07:35.

Jane Leonard crossed the line in 5:22:56 for 330th place, with Chris Drinkwater finishing in 5:57:54 for 366th place.



On Thursday evening 17 Harriers travelled to Cuerden Valley Park near Preston for the Badger 10k trail race, which was the penultimate round of the club’s Trail Championship.

John Lloyd was the first Harrier to complete the multi terrain course, in fifth place, followed by Paul Brannigan in ninth place overall and first v45.

Paul Hobbs finished in 13th place, a result which means he has clinched the Trail Championship ahead of the final race, Alice’s Run which takes place in Mytholmroyd in September.

Maria Prescott was the first Todmorden lady to finish, followed by Elise Milnes as they won the v45 and v50 prizes respectively.

Ray Poulter and Peter Ehrhardt battled their way to finish first and second v65 in the race.

Todmorden results: 5 John Lloyd 37:51; 9 Paul Brannigan 39:51; 13 Paul Hobbs 40:36; 14 Trevor Davis 40:38; 23 Darren Tweed 42:06; 42 Dan Taylor 44:05; 45 Michael Harper 44:22; 69 Andy Glyde 47:36; 71 Phil Hodgson 47:46; 75 Maria Prescott 48:14; 107 Elise Milnes 52:40; 119 Julie Wyant 54:13; 124 Ray Poulter 54:53; 132 Peter Ehrhardt 55:38; 159 Graham Milnes 58:57; 169 Andrea Marshall 1:01:03; 173 David O'Neill 1:03:17;

Hebden Bridge Fell Race | Naden Valley Trail

The Hebden Bridge Fell Race was held under heavy rain on Thursday evening, with the number of runners vastly down on last year’s record turnout.


For race organiser Andrew Bibby it capped a busy week, after he had successfully completed the Joss Naylor Challenge the previous weekend.

Joss’s challenge involves climbing 30 Lakeland peaks, crossing some 48 miles of mountain terrain and ascending nearly 17000 feet within a set time limit. The run starts in Pooley Bridge, Ullswater and finishes at Greendale Bridge, Wasdale.

Back in Hebden, Andrew saw off 51 hardy runners taking on the 9.6 kilometre rain lashed route, which started and finished in Calder Holmes Park and included over 350m of climb as it looped around Erringdon Moor to the highest point at Stoodley Pike.

Calder Valley’s Ben Mounsey led the way to finish in 44:35, two minutes clear of team mate Alex Whittem.

Todmorden’s Dwane Dixon claimed third place, with Ivan Gee in sixth position and Marcel Ellison in 13th.

Jane Leonard led in a trio of Todmorden ladies for 5th, 6th and 7th ladies respectively, with Maria Prescott and Sue Roberts following her across the line after Julie Field of Stainland Lions had claimed the ladies win in 60:49.

Todmorden Results: 3 Dwane Dixon 46.5; 6 Ivan Gee 48.46; 13 Marcel Ellison 52.1; 20 Dave Collins 56.44; 22 Clive Greatorex 58.33; 27 Joe Daniels 61.12; 33 Jane Leonard 67.19; 34 David Leslie 68.59; 36 Maria Prescott 70.33; 38 Sue Roberts 73.1; 40 Peter Ehrhardt 74.19; 42 Fiona Armer 76.04.



In equally wet conditions, the Naden Valley 6 mile trail race at Norden formed the latest round in the club’s Trail Championship on Saturday.

The route featured over 300 metres of ascent across a variety of terrain from roads, tracks, fields and woodland paths, much of which were covered in water. With stiles and slippery wooden bridges to also contend with, runners had to keep their minds alert to stay on their feet.

John Lloyd showed no signs of tiredness following his recent performance at the Cork Marathon to finish in second place behind race winner Danny Walsh of Rossendale Harriers.

Paul Brannigan ran a well paced race to snatch third place on the last corner with Paul Hobbs finishing in 8th place, a result that makes him favourite to claim the crown of club trail champion, with two races remaining.

Dave Collins was the next Harrier to finish, winning the v55 prize in the process with Peter Ehrhardt also claiming first in the v65 category.

Todmorden Results: 2 John Lloyd 40:42; 3 Paul Brannigan 41:53; 8 Paul Hobbs 43:37; 22 Dave Collins 47:24; 28 Richard Butterwick 48:50; 37 Simon Galloway 51:10; 39 Phillip Cook 51:53; 51 Chris Drinkwater 58:12; 53 Peter Ehrhardt 58:38.

Calderdale Way Relay | Pinhaw Trail race

On Sunday, Todmorden Harriers fielded three teams in the Calderdale Way Relay with the men’s team finishing in an excellent 4th place and the ladies team finishing 6th ladies team, just ahead of the mixed all stars team.


The 50 mile loop is split into six legs, each run by a pair of runners.

The men’s team got off to a solid start with Sean Carey and Nick Barber handing over in 5th place. Dwane Dixon and Andrew Wrench then moved the team up to 3rd position at the change over at Todmorden Sports Centre.

Trevor Davies and Paul Brannigan then edged the team up to 2nd place behind eventual winners Wharfedale Harriers on the mainly uphill leg 3 to Blackshawhead.

Paul Hobbs and Marcel Ellison on leg 4, and Ben Crowther and Dave Collins on leg 5, then faced stiff competition as Leeds City and Bingley Harriers posted fast times to relegate the club down to 4th position.

John Lloyd and Ivan Gee reduced the deficit on leg 6 as they finished in a total time of 6:36:01 and 4th overall.

The all stars team had held the advantage over the ladies team for the first three legs, before Lucy Hobbs and Hatty Nylan reduced the deficit by 12 minutes on leg 4 so that only a few seconds separated them.

Helen Wilson and Mandy Goth then overhauled the all stars on leg 5 to move the ladies ahead.

Ladies team captain Elise Milnes and Fiona Armer ran the final leg to take them to 60th overall in 8:46:25, with the all stars just one place behind in a total time of 8:57:55.


On Friday evening, the Pinhaw Trail Race featured in the club’s Trail Championship. The 5 mile multi terrain route started off on a farm track before crossing moorland. A short road section then led runners to the final moorland climb to Pinhaw Beacon, before returning the reverse route back to the finish.

Paul Hobbs was the first Todmorden runner to finish in 12th place, a minute ahead of Paul Brannigan in 16th. Dan Taylor won a close battle with Darren Tweed as they finished 24th and 27th respectively, separated by just 11 seconds.

Simon Galloway finished in 52nd place, holding off a late charge by Richard Butterwick who finished just 9 seconds behind in 54th position.

Richard Blakeley finished first v65, in 83rd place overall, followed by the first Todmorden lady Helen Hodgkinson with Julie Wyant completing the course in 100th position.

Todmorden Results: 12 Paul Hobbs 34:43; 16 Paul Brannigan 35:44; 24 Dan Taylor 36:32; 27 Darren Tweed 36:43; 52 Simon Galloway 40:03; 54 Richard Butterwick 40:12; 83 Richard Blakeley 44:11; 92 Helen Hodgkinson 47:27; 100 Julie Wyant 49:49.

Bent & Bongs 10k | Midgley Moor Fell Race | Llantysilio Fell Race | Liver Hill Fell Race | Vera Hirst 5k

The arrival of Spring left Todmorden Harriers spoilt for choice with club members in action on many fronts.

The club's 2012 Trail Championship continued on Sunday with a new race at Astley, the Bent and Bongs 10k.

A four way battle to be the first Todmorden runner quickly developed with Simon Galloway heading the closely grouped quartet for the first 3 miles.

Richard Butterwick then took up the lead position, before Paul Brannigan made a decisive move at the 5 mile mark developing a significant gap to cross the line first from the club, and 27th overall.

Richard then held off a late challenge from Michael Harper as they finished 31st and 33rd respectively, with Simon Galloway in 40th position.

Helen Wilson was the only Todmorden woman, finishing in 84th place, just over a minute ahead of Peter Ehrhardt in 94th place.

Todmorden Results: 27 Paul Brannigan 42:33; 31 Richard Butterwick 43:23; 33 Michael Harper 43:37; 40 Simon Galloway 44:25; 84 Helen Wilson 50:49; 94 Peter Ehrhardt 51:55.

Myra's Bent and Bongs photos...

Steve Bateson's Bent and Bongs photos...

On Saturday, several Harriers tackled the Midgley Moor Fell Race organised by neighbouring Calder Valley Fell Runners.


Dave Collins and Clive Greatorex ran a close race, with Dave eventually edging ahead for 40th place in 47:11, and Clive following him over the line 13 seconds later.

Mick Craven finished the five mile course in 50:27 for 51st place followed by Richard Leonard in 69th.

Jane Leonard was the first Todmorden lady, ahead of Helen Hodgkinson.

Todmorden Results: 40 Dave Collins 47.11; 41 Clive Greatorex 47.24; 51 Mick Craven 50.27; 69 Richard Leonard 54.11; 83 Jane Leonard 56.14; 102 Helen Hodgkinson 60.03.


Lauren Jeska won the women's race and set a new course record by 3 minutes at the Llantysilio Fell Race in Wales.

On Tuesday several Harriers enjoyed a sunny evening at Marl Pits for the Liver Hill Fell Race.
Marcel Ellison finished in 11th place in 35:34, with Darren Graham a minute behind in 17th position.

Robert Gray completed the up and down course in 48th, with Simon Galloway in 68th position.
Elise Milnes crossed the line in 132nd and Graham Milnes was 162nd.

Todmorden Results: 11 Marcel Ellison 35:34; 17 Darren Graham 36:31; 48 Robert Gray 39:36; 68 Simon Gallaway 41:53; 132 Elise Milner 49:47; 162 Graham Milnes 57:23.


John Lloyd led the way for the Harriers at Vera Hirst 5k in Littleborough on Wednesday with his time of 17:01 taking him into 7th place, whilst Paul Hobbs finished in 14th position with 18:23.

Dan Taylor finished in 20:29 for 59th place, with Andy Glyde stopping the clock at 21:39 for 77th and Andrea Marshall in 128th with a time of 26:28.

Standish Hall Trail Race | Studmarks from The Summit

Todmorden Harriers’ Trail Championship got off to a flying start with the Standish Hall Trail Race near Wigan.


First Harrier around the 10k course was Robin Tuddenham in 10th place, followed by Paul Hobbs in 19th position and Dan Taylor in 59th place.

Mel Robertson and Helen Wilson had a race long battle to be the first Todmorden lady, with Mel eventually finishing the stronger for 146th place.

Todmorden Results: 10 Robin Tuddenham 39:49; 19 Paul Hobbs 41:36; 59 Dan Taylor 46:44; 91 Simon Galloway 49:52; 100 Andy Glyde 50:44; 118 Richard Blakeley 53:46; 146 Melanie Robertson 56:47; 151 Helen Wilson 57:31; 181 Ray Poulter 1:00:26; 204 David Wilson 1:04:46.





On Sunday, a new fell race was held in tribute to fell running legend Bill Smith. The Studmarks from the Summit was a 5.5 mile race from the Summit pub and attracted over 150 runners under perfect blue skies.

Sean Carey finished in fifth place for Todmorden, with Marcel Ellison completing the course in 15th place and Trevor Davis finishing in 31st position.

Rob Gray was 40th with Derek Donohue just edging out Phil Cook as they finished 65th and 67th respectively.

Keith Parkinson crossed the line in 83rd followed by Paul Carruthers in 88th place.

Elise Milnes was in 97th place and husband Graham finished in 123rd position.