The weather was kind to the 230 senior and 80 junior runners who arrived at the Shepherd’s Rest pub near Todmorden for the annual Shepherd’s Skyline fell race on Saturday. Camaraderie and competitive spirit were present in abundance with several high profile runners turning out for this ever popular event. There was just the right amount of mud to challenge the racers, with the juniors being treated to a stream crossing and a challenging climb. The seniors climbed to Stoodley Pike, before dropping down into the valley only to return to the skyline before heading for home. The race was organised for the first time this year by Andy McFie, who has taken over from long time organisers Mandy and Phil Goth, with the support of many members of Todmorden Harriers. Local rivals, CVFR had a very successful outing taking the first three spots in the senior men’s race and first in the senior ladies’ race.
First Todmorden Harrier home was Paul Hobbs, who continues his fine run of form this year. Paul finished 19th overall in 48.03. Second man home for Todmorden was local author, Chris Goddard who finished 23rd overall in 50.09. First lady for Todmorden was Lucy Burnett in 57.15, finishing in 76th place overall. Second placed lady for Todmorden was Rebecca Patrick, placing 95th overall in 59.19.
Todmorden Senior results overall
Pos Name Time
19 Paul Hobbs 48.30
23 Chris Goddard 50.09
59 Tom Barker 55.32
66 Dave Garner 55.49
76 Lucy Burnett 57.15
91 Roger Haworth 58.41
95 Rebecca Patrick 59.19
98 Steve James 59.38
107 Mark Whitaker 60.41
108 Stuart Wolstenholme 60.58
109 Andy Forbes 61.00
125 Josh Murphy 61.58
130 Matthew Annison 62.34
157 Kirsty Patten 65.18
162 Jane Leonard 66.03
166 Fiona Armer 66.50
174 Richard Leonard 68.04
193 Chris Preston 72.03
197 Paula Haworth 72.18
Nine juniors represented Todmorden Harriers in the U12/14/16 and U8/10 races. First Toddie home in the U14 category was Lewis Kipping, finishing in 8.31. Jacob Blackhurst was the second Toddie home in 9.10. First Toddie junior in the U12 event was Freya Priestley in 8.56, with Maebh Logue second Toddie in 9.18.
In the U10 category, first Todmorden Harrier was Euan Logue in 8.54. The second placed Toddie was Thea Rily Crowther (10.12) with Rebecca Haworth the third Harrier home in 13.32. Two Todmorden Juniors took part in the U8 race. Ben Hodgkinson was the first Toddie back in 5.21 with George Daniels finishing in 6.48. Congratulations to all the Juniors who took on the challenge of the Junior Shepherd’s Skyline.
Junior Results overall
Lewis Kipping U14 8.31
Jacob Blackhurst U14 9.10
Freya Priestley U12 8.56
Maebh Logue U12 9.18
Euan Logue U10 8.54
Thea Rily Crowther U10 10.12
Rebecca Haworth U10 13.32
Ben Hodgkinson U8 5.21
George Daniels U8 6.48
Todmorden Harriers look forward to welcoming all Senior and Junior runners to the Shepherd’s Skyline 2015 which will mark the 30th running of the event.