Heptonstall Fell Race 2015
The clear blue skies and crisp air welcomed over 200 runners to the cobbles of Heptonstall for the annual Heptonstall Fell Race. There were over a score of athletes from Todmorden Harriers in attendance, with the event featuring in the Club’s Grand Prix for the first time. After the traditional start by local vicar, Rev Howard Pask, the runners headed off into the sunshine for the 15.4 mile circular tour of the local area. The route takes in various local landmarks before the runners are presented with the final challenge; the sting in the tail of the ‘Blue Pig’ ascent with its 100 or so steps out of Hebden Wood before a field crossing back to the finish. The day warmed up nicely, making the final climbs all the more challenging.
The first three men home for Todmorden were Paul Hobbs in 15th (2.08.03), Chris Goddard in 22nd (2.12.10) and Dave Garner V40 in 28th (2.14.17). The first three women home for Todmorden were Melanie Blackhurst LV40 in 85th (2.32.15), Kath Brierley in 147th LV50 (2.52.58) and Michelle Fuller in 152nd (2.53.51).
The full results for Todmorden were:
15th Paul Hobbs 2.08.03
22nd Chris Goddard 2.12.10
28th Dave Garner V40 2.14.17
49th Darren Tweed 2.21.03
58th Dave Collins V50 2.23.13
62nd Ben Crowther V40 2.24.02
85th Melanie Blackhurst LV40 2.32.15
108th Robert Tyson 2.39.23
117th Robert Halstead V50 2.43.08
131st Richard Butterwick V40 2.47.15
140th Ben Beckwith 2.50.51
147th Kath Brierley LV50 2.52.58 – first LV50
148th Simon Galloway V50 2.53.15
152nd Michelle Fuller LV40 2.53.51
156th Rebecca Patrick LV40 2.55.32
157th Richard Leonard V50 2.56.17
161st Jonathan Daniels V40 2.58.27
162nd Jane Leonard LV50 2.58.37
175th Matthew Annison 3.03.48
178th Fiona Armer LV40 3.03.59
192nd David Leslie V60 3.12.08
196th Helen Wilson LV50 3.16.20
202nd Paul Cruthers V50 3.20.39
206th Sue Roberts LV50 3.23.50
212th Pete Ehrhardt V60 3.59.40