Stoodley Pike Fell Race – Report by Jo Daniels – Photo by Andy McFie
A Race to the Top!
A glorious early evening sunshine cast its warm glow over the majestic Stoodley Pike monument on Tuesday 14th July in readiness for the annual running of the eponymous fell race. 145 runners, representing local clubs and those from further afield, toed the start line near the Top Brink Inn near Todmorden. The fast and furious course took the runners for just over 3 miles; the route begins with a gradual climb up to the ridge, continues with a short stretch across the ridge and past the Pike and finishes with a rapid descent down the steeper side of the valley to the finish field. The runners were clearly visible for the majority of the race to the spectators gathered to welcome the runners home in the finish field. Todmorden Harriers were well represented, in what is one of the club’s oldest events. The race was won by Alex Whittem, of local rivals Calder Valley, in a time of 19.43. The first lady was Elizabeth Greenwood of Blackburn Harriers in a time of 23.45.
Todmorden had a successful evening. Nick Barber continued his current run of form with first place in the MV40 category. He secured 9th place overall in a time of 21.31. Second behind Nick in the MV40 category was Todmorden’s Ben Crowther, also continuing a fine run of form. He took 12th place overall in a time of 22.02. The U23 men took the first three places in this category: Jackson Cowie (23rd in 23.44), Jamie Wrench (25th in 23.56), Josh Murphy (56th in 26.29). The men were successful in the U18 category too with Jack Crummet placing 2nd in this category and 30th overall in 23.56.
The Todmorden ladies also had a successful outing at Stoodley Pike. Rebecca Patrick, who has been running consistently well, took 2nd place in the WV40 category and 49th overall in 25.59. Kath Brierley took 3rd in the WV50 category (69th overall) in 27.41.
Overall results
Position Name Cat Cat Pos Time
9 Nick Barber M40 1 Tod 21.31
12 Ben Crowther M40 2 Tod 22.02
18 John Allan M 11 Tod 23.17
23 Jackson Cowie MU23 1 Tod 23.44
26 Jamie Wrench MU23 2 Tod 23.56
30 Jack Crummett MU18 2 Tod 24.26
32 Richard Butterwick M40 4 Tod 24.39
34 Dave Garner M40 5 Tod 24.44
41 Andy Forbes M40 9 Tod 25.26
49 Rebecca Patrick W40 2 Tod 25.59
53 Tom Parker M 20 Tod 26.18
54 Stuart Wolstenholme M40 15 Tod 26.24
55 Matthew Annison M 21 Tod 26.27
56 Josh Murphy MU23 3 Tod 26.29
69 Kath Brierley W50 3 Tod 27.41
97 Jane Mitchell W 5 Tod 30.07
102 Clare Harris W50 6 Tod 30.35
108 Nerys Rolinson W50 7 Tod 30.59
121 Graham Milnes M50 23 Tod 33.41
123 Helen Hodgkinson W40 6 Tod 34.05
145 Ian Stansfield M70 2 Tod 55.03