Report by Jo Daniels
A Muddy Christmas Treat for Todmorden Harriers at The Stoop
The Stoop fell race, organised by Dave and Eileen Woodhead and their magnificent team, drew large numbers of runners to the cricket club on the top of Penistone Hill overlooking Haworth on Sunday morning. The traditional freezing temperatures usually associated with the event had given over to thick coatings of mud following the inclement weather of recent weeks. In the words of the long time Race Organiser, Dave Woodhead, conditions were “a bit tacky”. This didn’t put off over 450 runners from clubs far and wide toeing the start line at 11.30am, with 16 of Todmorden Harrier athletes adding to the throng. Sporting the obligatory Santa hat, the runners took off down the track to cross the road before heading a reasonably direct line to the Stoop stone, before heading back across the moors to the cricket club. The heavy rain of recent weeks made for some impressive mud splatter and several comedy slides on the way round. The first three finishers for Todmorden were Jon Wright (27th in 37.05), Andrew Worster (31st in 37.18) and Robert Tyson (77th in 40.36). The top three ladies for Todmorden were Kath Brierley (207th in 49.15), Amy Godden (224th in 50.08) and Jaen Leonard (276th in 52.47).
The boggy conditions didn’t dampen the spirits of the Juniors who completed a course that begins in the quarry bottom with a quick ascent, then takes in a loop of the perimeter of the quarry, a very slick descent and a final climb before a sprint finish. The sole competitor in the Junior race from Tod Harriers was George Daniels. He completed the course in 4.41, finishing in 38th place.
Full results for Todmorden Harriers
Finishing Position Overall Name Age group Finishing Time
27 Jon Wright MV40 37.05
31 Andrew Worster MSEN 37.18
77 Robert Tyson MSEN 40.36
130 Richard Butterwick MV40 43.52
177 Stuart Wolstenholme MV40 47.17
183 Matthew Annison MSEN 47.28
198 James Riley MSEN 48.37
207 Kath Brierley FV50 49.15
224 Amy Godden FSEN 50.08
253 Jonathan Daniels MV40 51.18
276 Jane Leonard FV50 52.47
337 Kim Ashworth FSEN 57.05
370 Hannah Godden FSEN 58.25
381 Sionhan Doherty FSEN 60.40
387 Louise Ardy FSEN 60.47
417 Emily Annison FSEN 65.34
38 George Daniels Boy Under 8 4.41