The Merrick Hill Race, 17 September, 2016
Report by Rob Tyson
Girvan Athletic club hosted The Merrick Hill Race on Saturday the 17th September. Members of Todmorden Harriers journeyed up to the South of Scotland to compete hoping to do well in this final instalment of the British Hill Racing Championship. A good amount of anticipation hung in the air. The route was a circular 7.7miles (12.4km) which put the 197 runners’ fitness to the test. The ascent of 750metres (2461feet) was a challenge that seventeen Todmorden Harriers took on board. The conditions on the day were superb with wall to wall sun, making navigation simple and the views a delight. The first Toddy home was the light footed Graeme Brown in a great time of 01:35:47, being 34th overall.
Second Toddy was Nick Barber, with a time of 01:38:07, 42nd overall. Third Toddy was Paul Hobbs in a time of 01:39:01. The Todmorden Ladies performed well with the first Tod Lady back being Rebecca Patrick in 01:59:32, with Gemma Ford coming in next with a time of 01:59:57 and Pauline May third Toddy in 02:06:54.
Impressively, Dwane Dixon appeared to finish the race with only one shoe!
Todmorden Harriers Results:
Overall Position, Name, Time.
34th Graeme Brown 01:35:47, 42nd Nick Barber 01:38:07, 46th Paul Hobbs 01:39:01, 63rd Dave Garner 01:44:48, 72nd Dwane Dixon 01:47:35, 96th Matt Flanagan 01:55:32, 102nd Robin Tuddenham 01:56:34, 105th James Riley 01:56:58, 113rd Rebecca Patrick 01:59:32, 116th Gemma Ford 01:59:57, 130th Greg May 02:03:42, 141st Pauline May 02:06:54, 147th Tom Barker 02:09:48, 154th Kate Mansell 02:15:10, 162nd Kathleen Brierly 02:20:42, 174th Louise Greenwood 02:29:53, 190th Michelle Fuller 02:55:20