Hebden Bridge Fell Race by Jo Daniels
The Hebden Bridge Fell Race always takes place on the first Thursday evening in June. This year’s event was organised for the last time by Elise Milnes and she did a sterling job as ever.
Starting on Hebden Bridge Park, this race goes to Stoodley Pike and back via Erringden Moor, thereby adding a different twist to the climb up to the Pike compared to other races. The final run-in is along densely wooded paths and tracks. The evening race is a popular draw and attracted 15 members of Todmorden Harriers out for the dash up to the Pike and back. The race was won by Joseph Crossfield of Calder Valley in 48.07. The first lady home was Gayle Sugden, also of Calder Valley, in a time of 55.26.
The first person over the line for Todmorden was Paul Hobbs. He finished 11th overall in at time of 51.57. The second man for Todmorden was Chris Goddard, 14th in 54.06 with Darren Graham finishing 3rd male for the Harriers and 30th overall in 57.25. Pauline May was the first female finisher for Todmorden and the 3rd Harrier home overall; Pauline finished 27th in 57.10. The second placed lady for Todmorden was 46th placed Rebecca Patrick (1.02.55), with Kate Mansell finishing as third Toddie lady (68th in 1.08.34).
The full results for Todmorden are as follows:
Pos Name Category Finishing time
11 Paul Hobbs M 0.51.57
14 Chris Goddard M 0.54.06
27 Pauline May F 0.57.10
30 Darren Graham M45 0.57.25
36 Robert Tyson M 0.59.16
37 Richard Butterwick M45 0.59.29
46 Rebecca Patrick F45 1.02.55
52 Ben Beckwith M 1.03.58
57 Matthew Annison M 1.04.33
68 Kate Mansell F40 1.08.34
75 Mark Whitaker M50 1.10.23
79 Jane Leonard F55 1.12.14
84 Chris Preston F50 1.13.49
101 Mandy Goth F55 1.24.56