Report by Dan Taylor
Chester Marathon
2 Tod Harriers took the trip to Chester for the Marathon on Sunday. The conditions were dry and not too hot. First home for Todmorden was their Fell and Ultra Specialist Craig Stansfield in his first ever road marathon. Craig gave his all and managed to beat his 3 hours target by finishing in 2hrs 57 mins. Paul Alexander continued his marathon career with another personal best. His time of 3.05 was another 8 minutes off his best and Paul is hoping the 3 hour target will come for him next spring.
Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay
Todmorden were represented by a ladies and a mens team in this relay last weekend up in the lakes. This relay is seen as the toughest of Fell Relays being over high mountains in the Lake District. The mens team finished a credible 31st place after chopping and changing the team last minute due to injuries. The ladies had a better day of it finishing in a very good 10th position.
Saddleworth Edges
Sunday saw the Saddleworth Edges Fell Race from Greenfield. The 8 mile route goes over Wimberry Moss to the Chew reservoir. A stiff climb to Great Dove Stone Rocks is followed by a steep descent and a run back through the woods/plantation to the finish. Tod Harrier Jon Wright was on top form finishing in 2nd place overall and first in his V45 category. Next was Darren Graham who was followed home by Dave Collins. Sue Roberts was the first (and only) Tod lady finishing in 93rd overall.
2nd Jon Wright 1.04.40
16th Darren Graham 1.11.43
30th Dave Collins 1.14.40
47th James Riley 1.20.53
93rd Sue Roberts 1.43.15
Burnley Fire Station 10k
Todmorden’s only entrant at the Burnley Fire Station 10k was Guy Whitmore. Guy finished in 44th place spookily in 44.16. This was another solid performance from Guy, who has had a run of good results over the summer.