The Cake Race, 29 April 2017
Race Report by Richard Butterwick
A trio of Todmorden Harriers were in Saddleworth for The Cake Race, where the usual entry fee can be waived on donation of a cake. Before the demolition of a sizable tableful of cakes could begin, with proceeds going to charity, there was the small matter of the 10 mile Fell Race. Conditions were good with dry ground underfoot and warm sunshine doing its best to shine weakly through the thin cloud. The route started with a stiff climb from Diggle to Brun Clough Reservoir, then followed the Pennine Way across to the Wessenden Valley. After a quick descent down the track, runners had to tackle the many steps down and immediately back up either side of the Butterley Reservoir spillway. A long, gradual climb then looped them back to Brun Clough, and a final descent led back to the cakes.
The race winner was Ben Coop of Bury AC in 1:06:28, and the first woman was Joanna Goorney of Lytham St Annes RRC in 1:19:19.
Tod results:
84 – Richard Butterwick – 1:28:09
191 – Claire Anderson – 1:45:21
234 – Peter Ehrhardt – 1:56:59