As part of Todmorden Harriers Grand Prix last Saturday’s Full Tour of Pendle Fell Race saw a strong Todmorden Harriers turnout. This winter classic weaves its way back and forth over Pendle Hill, starting in Barley and heading up to the Trig before striding across Pendle and Mearley Moor towards the Nick of Pendle. A steep climb takes runners up Spence Moor before dropping fast to Ogden river via ‘Geronimo’. The rollercoaster of fearsome climbs and descents continues until the last crawl up ‘Big End’ back to the Trig and down to the ‘killer’ tarmac for the last mile back to Barley. By that time, runners have covered 27km (16.8m) and 1473m / 4833ft of climbing. In a competitive field of 270+ runners, Chris Holdsworth of Ribble Valley Harriers won the men’s race in 2.20.02 whilst Keswick’s Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn was first woman in 2.53.03. Despite the tough conditions, being very boggy underfoot, it was a good day of racing for the Tod Harriers. Graeme Brown was first home in an excellent 9th position overall and 3rd V40. Annie Roberts was 2nd lady and along with Rebecca Patrick and Mel Blackhurst, the ladies took the team prize. Great support on the course from Simon Anderton and Bob’s daughter! With free beer and the classic Pendle fell race t-shirt, all runners went home happy.
Todmorden Harrier results: 9th Graeme Brown (2.36.58 – 3rdV40), 51st- Annie Roberts (2.55 –2ndlady), 70th – Andy Mcfie (3.03.55), 109thDave Garner (3.13.54 ), 143rd Rebecca Patrick (3.24.47 8th lady/2nd V50), 145th Anthony de Heveringham (3.25.16), 161st Mel Blackhurst (3.28.05 11th lady/3rd V50), 170th Bob Halstead (3.29.57), 174th Kate Mansell (3.31.22 12th lady/2nd V45), 177th Stuart Wolstenholme (3.31.56), 211th Duncan Ritchie (3.41.19), 230th Richard Butterwick (3.46.33), Robin Gray (4.03) and Sally Chesworth (4.30).