Wharfedale Half Marathon – Report by Jo Daniels
Paul Cotton and Mel Blackhurst represented Todmorden at the Wharfedale Half Marathon. They both enjoyed the event, which although billed as a half marathon trail race but is more akin to a category BL fell race. It features 2000 feet of climb in 3 long ascents, two of which are very runnable. However the third climb is steeper and runners were not helped by the windy conditions on the day. The wind sent the loose small stones and sand straight into the faces of the competitors and there were plenty of bogs and slightly rocky runnable descents to contend with. The winning time was 1:29:50. Mel completed the course in 1:56, finishing 7th lady and missing out on a V50 prize by just 50 seconds. Paul ran an excellent 2:07 and looked strong at the end.
Coniston Marathon and Half Marathon – Report by Jo Daniels
Starting and finishing at Coniston Hall Landing Point, on the shores of Coniston Water the Lakeland Trails Marathon takes in a complete circuit of Coniston Water along well marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways. Taking in the idyllic beauty spot of Tarn Hows, and the elevated Beacon Tarn, the whole course gives panoramic views of Lake Coniston and the surrounding peaks of the Old Man, Swirl How, Wetherlam and Dow Crags. Four Todmorden Harriers made the trip to the Lakes for the event.
Coniston Marathon results:
Ben Holmes 65th 4.21.10
Guy Whitmore 110th 4.41.13
Coniston Half Marathon results:
Mel Whitmore 229th 2.16.54