Blue skies greeted the 183 runners who gathered for the first mass-start race in these parts for over 14 months. This race may be short at 3.5 miles but it packs a punch with 1200ft of ascent. A lung-busting climb over tussocky ground up to the trig point, a middle section along the rocky ridge line to catch your breath before a helter-skelter descent back down the tussocks all combine to make it a great test of strength, speed and nerves and an explosive return to racing after all the time off.
Ten Toddies had a run out, with Danny Aspinall first home in 16th place overall. Dave Garner and Mel Blackhurst had great runs to claim 2nd male and female V50, with Jane Leonard 2nd V60.
Full Todmorden results:
16 – Danny Aspinall – 33:11
22 – Duncan Cannon – 34:43
40 – Dave Garner – 37:19 (2nd MV50)
87 – Mel Blackhurst – 41:16 (2nd FV50)
136 – Robin Gray – 47:51
153 – Helen Hodgkinson – 49:34
156 – Jane Leonard – 50:08 (2nd FV60)
160 – Ruth Thompson-Davies – 51:51
179 – Louise Abdy – 60:38
180 – Mandy Halstead – 61:58
