A handful of Harriers took part in the Pilgrim’s Cross Fell Race at Holcombe last Wednesday. The 6 mile race which includes 1100 feet of climb was won in 37:36 by Calder Valley’s Karl Grey, 3 seconds ahead of Bury’s Mark Shakeshaft in a 200 strong field.
Sean Carey completed the course as first under 16, and 9th overall in a time of 40:16. He was followed in by Jon Wright in 18th, Andrew Horsfall and Paul Burnett. James Riley rounded off the Todmorden entries in 94th and 1st v35.
At the same time, three other Todmorden runners were also racing 6 miles, but with fewer hills to contend with, on the roads of Greenfield for the increasingly popular Saddleworth 6 which attracted 272 runners this year. Sale’s Gareth Raven won in 29:07 a few seconds ahead of previous winner Andi Jones of Salford.
First Harrier to finish was Richard Butterwick in 41:02, followed by Bohuslav Barlow in 47:15 and the evergreen Ian Stansfield in 1:03:09, knocking 5 minutes off his time from two years earlier.
On Sunday, several Harriers made the short trip for the Worsthorne Moor fell race. The fast 7 mile race takes in 900 feet of climb as it circles the moor, skirting Cant Clough and Hurstwood reservoirs.
Clayton le Moors’ Gary Shaw won the race in 41:48 in another close finish, just 4 seconds ahead of Blackburn’s John Sutton.
First Harrier to finish was Dan Taylor who continued his progress in his first year with the club, stopping the clock in 50:40. Mick Craven was next to finish just ahead of Sarah Warburton, who took the 3rd place ladies prize. Jeremy Godden and Peter Ehrhardt were Todmorden’s other finishers.
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Friday, 14 August 2009
Crow Hill | Whittle Pike | Cliviger 6
Many Todmorden Harriers turned out to assist race organiser Clive Greatorex for the Crow Hill fell race at Mytholmroyd last Tuesday. The 5 mile race, featuring 1000 feet of ascent was run in a reverse route this year.
Chris Smale won the race in a time of 31:15, ahead of Calder Valley Fell Runners’ Gavin Mulholland and Steve Smithies.
First Harrier to finish was Paul Hobbs in 14th place, followed by Paul Burnett and Derek Donohue. Sarah Warburton finished 3rd lady and 53rd overall with Emma Osenton in 71st.
The following evening saw Sarah May win the ladies category in the 4½ mile Whittle Pike Fell Race at Cowpe as the club made a strong showing. Calder Valley’s Alex Whittem won the race overall in a time of 41:10.
Andrew Wrench was the first Harrier to finish in 4th place and 1st Vet40. Sean Carey won the under18 category, as he knocked 2½ minutes off his time form the year before, and finished 6th overall. Andrew Horsfall narrowly missed out on a win in the vet45 by just 7 seconds with Dave Collins 2nd vet50.
Todmorden Results: 4 Andrew Wrench 42:19; 6 Sean Carey 43:52; 9 Alistair Rhodes-Dawson 45:51; 16 Andrew Horsfall 47:29; 17 Dave Collins 47:49; 20 Paul Brannigan 48:09; 27 Paul Burnett 49:41; 38 Sarah May 50:49; 45 Darren Tweed 51:58; 57 Dan Taylor 53:36; 59 James Riley 53:47; 113 Richard Leonard 1:00:56; 124 Peter Marshall 1:03:33; 137 Mel Siddall 1:09:39; 141 David O'Neill 1:11:19; 154 Ian Stansfield 1:36:04.
On Sunday, it was the road championship that was the centre of attention as 21 Harriers made the short trip for the Cliviger 6 mile road race. Starting at Mount Lane Sports Field the runners had a steep uphill start, followed by a long downhill towards Burnley before turning into Towneley Park. An undulating return via the main Todmorden road followed with a short final climb up Red Lees Road.
The race was won by Marc Hartley of Staffordshire Moorlands AC, repeating his performance of last year. First Todmorden Harrier to finish was Andrew Wrench who was just edged into 3rd place in the final few paces, winning the Vet40 prize in the process. Paul Brannigan continued his rapid return to form, finishing in 16th with Dave Collins in 26th.
Sarah Glyde timed her run to perfection as she overhauled Claire Duffield just before the line to finish 7th female overall and 2nd Vet35. Mel Blackhurst finished 1st vet40 and Moyra Parfitt was 1st vet60.
Todmorden Results: 3 Andrew Wrench 34:37; 16 Paul Brannigan 37:55; 26 Dave Collins 39:22; 38 Mark Anderton 40:49; 51 Darren Tweed 41:51; 58 Richard Butterwick 42:43; 60 Martin Stork 42:53; 65 Phil Cook 43:58; 75 Sarah Glyde 44:41; 76 Claire Duffield 44:47; 83 Mel Blackhurst 45:37; 88 Kevin Coughlan 46:12; 104 Peter Marshall 50:14; 109 Lucy Hobbs 50:59; 112 Richard Blakeley 52:05; 118 Moyra Parfitt 53:49; 119 Melanie Robertson 54:07; 126 David O'Neill 57:02; 127 Barry Chapman 57:06; 129 Philip Southwell 59:13; 140 Ian Stansfield 1:07:45.
Chris Smale won the race in a time of 31:15, ahead of Calder Valley Fell Runners’ Gavin Mulholland and Steve Smithies.
First Harrier to finish was Paul Hobbs in 14th place, followed by Paul Burnett and Derek Donohue. Sarah Warburton finished 3rd lady and 53rd overall with Emma Osenton in 71st.
The following evening saw Sarah May win the ladies category in the 4½ mile Whittle Pike Fell Race at Cowpe as the club made a strong showing. Calder Valley’s Alex Whittem won the race overall in a time of 41:10.
Andrew Wrench was the first Harrier to finish in 4th place and 1st Vet40. Sean Carey won the under18 category, as he knocked 2½ minutes off his time form the year before, and finished 6th overall. Andrew Horsfall narrowly missed out on a win in the vet45 by just 7 seconds with Dave Collins 2nd vet50.
Todmorden Results: 4 Andrew Wrench 42:19; 6 Sean Carey 43:52; 9 Alistair Rhodes-Dawson 45:51; 16 Andrew Horsfall 47:29; 17 Dave Collins 47:49; 20 Paul Brannigan 48:09; 27 Paul Burnett 49:41; 38 Sarah May 50:49; 45 Darren Tweed 51:58; 57 Dan Taylor 53:36; 59 James Riley 53:47; 113 Richard Leonard 1:00:56; 124 Peter Marshall 1:03:33; 137 Mel Siddall 1:09:39; 141 David O'Neill 1:11:19; 154 Ian Stansfield 1:36:04.
On Sunday, it was the road championship that was the centre of attention as 21 Harriers made the short trip for the Cliviger 6 mile road race. Starting at Mount Lane Sports Field the runners had a steep uphill start, followed by a long downhill towards Burnley before turning into Towneley Park. An undulating return via the main Todmorden road followed with a short final climb up Red Lees Road.
The race was won by Marc Hartley of Staffordshire Moorlands AC, repeating his performance of last year. First Todmorden Harrier to finish was Andrew Wrench who was just edged into 3rd place in the final few paces, winning the Vet40 prize in the process. Paul Brannigan continued his rapid return to form, finishing in 16th with Dave Collins in 26th.
Sarah Glyde timed her run to perfection as she overhauled Claire Duffield just before the line to finish 7th female overall and 2nd Vet35. Mel Blackhurst finished 1st vet40 and Moyra Parfitt was 1st vet60.
Todmorden Results: 3 Andrew Wrench 34:37; 16 Paul Brannigan 37:55; 26 Dave Collins 39:22; 38 Mark Anderton 40:49; 51 Darren Tweed 41:51; 58 Richard Butterwick 42:43; 60 Martin Stork 42:53; 65 Phil Cook 43:58; 75 Sarah Glyde 44:41; 76 Claire Duffield 44:47; 83 Mel Blackhurst 45:37; 88 Kevin Coughlan 46:12; 104 Peter Marshall 50:14; 109 Lucy Hobbs 50:59; 112 Richard Blakeley 52:05; 118 Moyra Parfitt 53:49; 119 Melanie Robertson 54:07; 126 David O'Neill 57:02; 127 Barry Chapman 57:06; 129 Philip Southwell 59:13; 140 Ian Stansfield 1:07:45.
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Turnslack
Todmorden’s Andrew Wrench triumphed at the Turnslack fell race on Saturday after a race long battle with Calder Valley’s Shaun Godsman. The tough 8 mile course features over 2000 feet of ascent and is considered one of the most testing of the local fell races with several streams, stiles and moorland bogs to negotiate. With the race featuring in Todmorden’s Fell Championship this year, there was a strong turnout of 23 Harriers amongst the 100 strong field.
Starting from Calderbrook Church the runners soon turned off the Pennine Bridleway and climbed over Turn Slack Hill before making a long gradual climb up to Trough Edge End. They then turned for home with a steep descent via Ramsden Wood Reservoir before a tough climb over Ramsden Hill. An air of déjà vu followed as another sharp descent was followed by yet another demanding climb up Noon Hill. It was then all downhill across the moor and through head high bracken back to the church yard.
After tracking Godsman on the final climb, Wrench comfortably pulled away on the descent to take the win by 25 seconds in 1:09:40. Dave Collins was next Harrier to finish in 8th place overall and first Vet50. Paul Hobbs and Ben Crowther then assisted the club into 2nd placed team behind Clayton le Moors.
Calder Valley’s Jo Buckley was in a class of her own, as she won the ladies race, finishing well ahead of Middleton’s Ginny Willey and Calder teammate Sharon Godsman. Sarah Glyde was first Todmorden lady in 4th, followed by Louise Abdy in 5th and first Vet45. Emma Osenton was the next Harrier to cross the line to hand the ladies team prize to Todmorden.
The result has moved Andrew Wrench up to the top of the club’s Fell Championship, to add to his lead in the Road and Grand Prix tables as he looks towards a potential clean sweep of club trophies this year.
Todmorden Results: 1 Andrew Wrench 1:09:40; 8 Dave Collins 1:18:45; 18 Paul Hobbs 1:21:15; 23 Ben Crowther 1:22:00; 30 Jeff Walker 1:24:34; 31 Kevin Booth 1:25:00; 33 Darren Tweed 1:25:17; 36 Simon Galloway 1:25:55; 43 Phil Cook 1:28:19; 50 Phil Hodgson 1:34:40; 57 Richard Leonard 1:36:20; 59 Mick Craven 1:36:50; 63 Sarah Glyde 1:39:46; 69 Louise Abdy 1:40:44; 70 Peter Marshall 1:40:52; 72 Peter Ehrhardt 1:41:36; 77 Emma Osenton 1:44:15; 80 Elise Milnes 1:45:54; 82 Richard Blakeley 1:49:25; 83 Chris Drinkwater 1:54:10; 88 Dave O'Neill 1:56:18; 89 Mandy Goth 1:58:22; 91 Barry Chapman 1:59:29.
Starting from Calderbrook Church the runners soon turned off the Pennine Bridleway and climbed over Turn Slack Hill before making a long gradual climb up to Trough Edge End. They then turned for home with a steep descent via Ramsden Wood Reservoir before a tough climb over Ramsden Hill. An air of déjà vu followed as another sharp descent was followed by yet another demanding climb up Noon Hill. It was then all downhill across the moor and through head high bracken back to the church yard.
After tracking Godsman on the final climb, Wrench comfortably pulled away on the descent to take the win by 25 seconds in 1:09:40. Dave Collins was next Harrier to finish in 8th place overall and first Vet50. Paul Hobbs and Ben Crowther then assisted the club into 2nd placed team behind Clayton le Moors.
Calder Valley’s Jo Buckley was in a class of her own, as she won the ladies race, finishing well ahead of Middleton’s Ginny Willey and Calder teammate Sharon Godsman. Sarah Glyde was first Todmorden lady in 4th, followed by Louise Abdy in 5th and first Vet45. Emma Osenton was the next Harrier to cross the line to hand the ladies team prize to Todmorden.
The result has moved Andrew Wrench up to the top of the club’s Fell Championship, to add to his lead in the Road and Grand Prix tables as he looks towards a potential clean sweep of club trophies this year.
Todmorden Results: 1 Andrew Wrench 1:09:40; 8 Dave Collins 1:18:45; 18 Paul Hobbs 1:21:15; 23 Ben Crowther 1:22:00; 30 Jeff Walker 1:24:34; 31 Kevin Booth 1:25:00; 33 Darren Tweed 1:25:17; 36 Simon Galloway 1:25:55; 43 Phil Cook 1:28:19; 50 Phil Hodgson 1:34:40; 57 Richard Leonard 1:36:20; 59 Mick Craven 1:36:50; 63 Sarah Glyde 1:39:46; 69 Louise Abdy 1:40:44; 70 Peter Marshall 1:40:52; 72 Peter Ehrhardt 1:41:36; 77 Emma Osenton 1:44:15; 80 Elise Milnes 1:45:54; 82 Richard Blakeley 1:49:25; 83 Chris Drinkwater 1:54:10; 88 Dave O'Neill 1:56:18; 89 Mandy Goth 1:58:22; 91 Barry Chapman 1:59:29.
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Widdop | Cuerden Valley Badger 10k
On Wednesday several Todmorden Harriers entered the Calder Valley Fell Runners organised fell race at Widdop. The 7 mile moorland route features over 1200 feet of climbing as it winds its way around Gorple and Widdop reservoirs.
Dave Collins was first Todmorden man home in 19th place overall, the same position that he finished the year before, but this time knocking over 2 minutes off his previous time to cross the line in 57:57 and finish 2nd Vet50. Paul Burnett was next Todmorden finisher in 25th place at 59:43, with Jeff Walker completing the course in 1:03:55. Emma Osenton was the first Todmorden lady to finish in 1:16:10.
The following evening saw the next round of the Harrier’s Road Championship, with the Cuerden Valley Badger 10k multi terrain race at Bamber Bridge. Organised by local runner Clare Kenny for Lancashire Wildlife Trust, this was the third of four races that are held monthly over the summer and it attracted over 150 runners.
In addition to road and tracks, runners also had to contend with fields, hills, stiles and the odd patch of mud. Andy Buttery of Rossendale won the race in a time of 35:40. First Todmorden runner to finish was Andrew Wrench who was just edged out on the line by Richard Howarth of Horwich as they battled for second place. Paul Brannigan continued his return to form to finish in 21st place. The next Harrier to finish was Phil Cook, who was the only one to brave both the Widdop race and this one on consecutive nights. This took the men’s team into 3rd place.
Sarah Glyde led the way for the Todmorden ladies, followed by Mel Siddall and Bev Wright to also take 3rd placed team.
Todmorden Results: 3 Andrew Wrench 36:27; 21 Paul Brannigan 41:06; 54 Phil Cook 46:36; 58 Sarah Glyde 47:15; 73 Melanie Siddall 50:02; 77 Beverley Wright 50:59; 88 Peter Marshall 52:41; 107 Paula Haworth 55:58; 118 David O'Neill 57:47; 148 Ian Stansfield 1:09:29.
Dave Collins was first Todmorden man home in 19th place overall, the same position that he finished the year before, but this time knocking over 2 minutes off his previous time to cross the line in 57:57 and finish 2nd Vet50. Paul Burnett was next Todmorden finisher in 25th place at 59:43, with Jeff Walker completing the course in 1:03:55. Emma Osenton was the first Todmorden lady to finish in 1:16:10.
The following evening saw the next round of the Harrier’s Road Championship, with the Cuerden Valley Badger 10k multi terrain race at Bamber Bridge. Organised by local runner Clare Kenny for Lancashire Wildlife Trust, this was the third of four races that are held monthly over the summer and it attracted over 150 runners.
In addition to road and tracks, runners also had to contend with fields, hills, stiles and the odd patch of mud. Andy Buttery of Rossendale won the race in a time of 35:40. First Todmorden runner to finish was Andrew Wrench who was just edged out on the line by Richard Howarth of Horwich as they battled for second place. Paul Brannigan continued his return to form to finish in 21st place. The next Harrier to finish was Phil Cook, who was the only one to brave both the Widdop race and this one on consecutive nights. This took the men’s team into 3rd place.
Sarah Glyde led the way for the Todmorden ladies, followed by Mel Siddall and Bev Wright to also take 3rd placed team.
Todmorden Results: 3 Andrew Wrench 36:27; 21 Paul Brannigan 41:06; 54 Phil Cook 46:36; 58 Sarah Glyde 47:15; 73 Melanie Siddall 50:02; 77 Beverley Wright 50:59; 88 Peter Marshall 52:41; 107 Paula Haworth 55:58; 118 David O'Neill 57:47; 148 Ian Stansfield 1:09:29.
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Stoodley Pike Fell Race
The shortest of Todmorden Harriers’ Fell Races took place last Tuesday and Calder Valley’s Alex Whittem celebrated his first win over the speedy 3.5 mile course. Starting adjacent to Lumbutts Mill the runners quickly climbed the causeway stones and continued past Withens Gate and along the Pennine Way to Stoodley Pike. A nerve testing steep descent to London Road followed, before a fast flat return to the finish at the Top Brink Inn. For the first time in many years the race experienced rain instead of its usual legendary blue skies and finishers quickly retired to inside the Inn for refreshments and the presentation afterwards.
Whittem took an early lead and held it to the end despite the quality pursuit from James Logue and Chris Smale. The men’s team prize went to Calder Valley Fell Runners.
Todmorden’s Sarah May won the ladies race, with teammate Claire Duffield in 3rd place just behind Clayton’s Tracy Mitchell. Calder Valley also looked on course to take the ladies team prize, with 5th, 6th and 7th places. However, Laura Sutcliffe just edged out Janette Dowling to be the ladies 3rd counter for the team prize, propelling Todmorden to the prize.
The race once again attracted some of the North’s top young fell runners with 4 of the top 16 runners aged under16 years old. Todmorden’s Sean Carey took the category win, and finished an excellent 4th overall, ahead of 8th placed Joseph Crossfield and 12th placed Bradley Traviss, both of Halifax Harriers. Rossendale’s Elliot Wylie finished in 16th overall with club mate Sam Walsh finishing first U18.
Todmorden Results: 4 Sean Carey 20:56;19 Paul Burnett 23:16;31 Peter Bowles 24:19;34 Sarah May 24:49;52 Dan Taylor 25:47;63 Claire Duffield 26:23;100 Ray Poulter 29:56;108 Laura Sutcliffe 30:44;109 Jeanette Dowling 30:49;117 Paula Haworth 32:17;120 Mandy Goth 33:10;127 David O'Neill 36:03;139 John Newby 47:40.
Whittem took an early lead and held it to the end despite the quality pursuit from James Logue and Chris Smale. The men’s team prize went to Calder Valley Fell Runners.
Todmorden’s Sarah May won the ladies race, with teammate Claire Duffield in 3rd place just behind Clayton’s Tracy Mitchell. Calder Valley also looked on course to take the ladies team prize, with 5th, 6th and 7th places. However, Laura Sutcliffe just edged out Janette Dowling to be the ladies 3rd counter for the team prize, propelling Todmorden to the prize.
The race once again attracted some of the North’s top young fell runners with 4 of the top 16 runners aged under16 years old. Todmorden’s Sean Carey took the category win, and finished an excellent 4th overall, ahead of 8th placed Joseph Crossfield and 12th placed Bradley Traviss, both of Halifax Harriers. Rossendale’s Elliot Wylie finished in 16th overall with club mate Sam Walsh finishing first U18.
Todmorden Results: 4 Sean Carey 20:56;19 Paul Burnett 23:16;31 Peter Bowles 24:19;34 Sarah May 24:49;52 Dan Taylor 25:47;63 Claire Duffield 26:23;100 Ray Poulter 29:56;108 Laura Sutcliffe 30:44;109 Jeanette Dowling 30:49;117 Paula Haworth 32:17;120 Mandy Goth 33:10;127 David O'Neill 36:03;139 John Newby 47:40.
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