70 at 70 at Tod’s Shepherd’s Skyline

Report by Jo Daniels

Heavy rain and gusting winds following a week of inclement weather were not enough to dampen the spirits of the 234 hardy seniors and 60 equally hardy juniors who took to the hills around Stoodley Pike for the annual Shepherd’s Rest Fell Race on Saturday, organised by Todmorden Harriers. A heavy deluge shortly before the midday start time for the Under 8 and Under 10 race meant there was plenty of standing water for the juniors to contend with on an already water logged course. However, despite the challenging conditions no less than four course records fell in the junior events. Records fell in the Boys Under 12 race with Eilo Beesley coming home 1^st in 6.58. Freya Whittle set the Girls’ record in the U12 category finishing 1^st girl in 8.10. Erik Powell set the record for the U14 Boys’ event, finishing 1^st in 7.06. Alana Willis of KCAC set the new bench mark in the Girls’ U16 event, finishing 1^st girl in 16.09. Todmorden’s own junior section was well represented in the events. The results are as follows: Oscar Rothwell finished 3^rd in the U8 event in 5.38, with George Daniels following him in 4^th place in 6.19. Euan Logue finished 3^rd in the U10 event in 7.53. in the U12 event John Cash Birks finished 13^th (11.05), Erin McGrath 14^th (11.11, 3^rd girl) and Rachel Davis 15^th (11.25, 4^th girl). Annabel Cash Birks completed the U12 course in 12.43, finishing in 15^th position. Congratulations to the juniors on braving the tricky conditions.

The senior race set off at 1pm. The race takes runners on a steady climb from the start, before heading along the skyline to Stoodley Pike. There is a steep descent, made even trickier by the consistent rain, from the Pike before the runners are taken back the hill before heading back along the skyline before the steady drop back down the finish. The course is very runnable but contains plenty to challenge runners of all abilities. The race was won by the in form Ben Mounsey in 41.20 with the ever impressive veteran runner Ian Holmes (MV45) finishing 2^nd in 43.14. Todmorden were well represented in the event. The first Todmorden Harrier  home was Robert Tyson, finishing 48^th in 54.06. Winner of the U23 age category was Todmorden’s Josh Murphy, finishing 63^rd overall in 57.07. Peter Ehrhardt completed his 70^th race in his 70th year on the planet finishing 6^th in the V65 category in 86.59. Sue Roberts and Emily Annison competed for Tod’s ladies, finishing the event in 76.09 (207^th overall) and 87.05 (224^th overall) respectably.

Todmorden’s overall results