65 runners lined up on the starting line on Saturday morning taking part in the 15 mile fell race that made them climb up to Stoodley Pike…twice. The route started with a climb out of Mytholmroyd straight up Daisey Bank, over to Erringden Moor and up to the first visit of Stoodley Pike. Back down to Withins Clough Res, then a steady climb up to Withins Gate. Up a gear along the fast and furious stretch of the Pennine Way before descending near Wardle. A quick climb up and over to the Shepherds Rest before the steady climb back to Withins Gate. Then the runners are forced back down to London Road before the second climb back to Stoodley before its downhill all the way back to the finish. 15 miles with over 2600ft made this race a tough challenge for anyone.
Newcomer to Todmorden Harriers Doni Clarke led from the start and kept his lead all the way to the finish, to record a record time of 1:46:44, only beating second placed Joe Steward by 3 seconds (Oli Murphy from Ilkley Harriers came 3rd). Rebecca Patrick fought off an early challenge by fellow Club runner, Claire Shaw to win the Ladies race in a time of 2:26:40 with Claire finishing 2nd lady in 2:31:27 (Rachael Beaumont from Calder Valley finished 3rd lady). But the winning didn’t stop there. Rebecca and Claire also won their age vet categories and claimed the Women’s team prize…even with only two making up the team. Todmorden males also claimed the team prize after a hard-fought effort from Calder Valley with Doni Clarke, Danny Aspinall and Darren Tweed making up the team.
Full Todmorden results….
• 1st – Doni Clarke – 1:46:44
• 8th – Danny Aspinall – 2:04:48
• 11th – Darren Tweed – 2:14:13
• 16th – Rebecca Patrick – 2:26:40
• 18th – Robert Gray – 2:29:13
• 21st – Claire Shaw – 2:31:27
• 24th – Andy Forbes – 2:34:40
• 27th – Oliver Marshall – 2:39:00
• 29th – Nev Drake – 2:39:58
• 33rd – James Riley – 2:42:16
• RTD – Peter Rolls
• RTD – Dave Garner