Red Rose Cross Country, 1 Dec
Report by Jo Daniels
Todmorden Harriers hosted the most recent even in the Red Rose Cross Country series on 1st December. Race Organiser, Dan Taylor, and his team treated the runners to a ‘proper cross country course’ according to many of the runners on the day. There was mud aplenty on the course that looped the fields and woods of Central Park in Todmorden itself. There were junior and seniors representing the Harriers, with great runs in evidence across the age groups.
In the U11’s race, Lennie Halstead brought home the honours for Todmorden in 7.55 to claim 40th place, with Finn Tweed finishing in 68th in 8.49. Just one second separated the other two Todmorden Harrier Juniors. Joseph Grunnill took 74th in 9.05 ahead of George Suthers, 75th in 9.06. The boys finished as 13th team overall. Delilah Swift was the sole Todmorden runner in the U13 race. She claimed 48th in 11.32.
The seniors enjoyed successful runs, taking the mud and challenging conditions in their stride. In the senior female event, the honour for Todmorden was taken by Pauline May. She finished 6th in 23.40 as second V35. Coming in as second Toddie and close on heels was Rebecca Patrick in 8th in 23.52; she was also 2nd V45. Mel Blackhurst took 2nd V50 and 18th overall in 25.06. The other Todmorden female results were: Emma Fielder 20th in 25.39; Kerry Edwards 21st in 25.48; Rebecca Senior 24th in 25.57; Kate Mansell 25th in 26.03; Claire Duffield 27th in 26.16; Kath Brierley 2nd V55 and 34th overall in 26.51; Kim Ashworth 70th in 30.57. The women’s team took 3rd place in the team competition.
Andrew Worster was the first finisher for Todmorden in the men’s senior event. He finished 7th in 38.29. Graeme Brown took 2nd V40 and 12th overall in 40.28. Jonathan Wright claimed 2nd V55 to finish 3rd for Todmorden, 20th overall, in 41.46. The other Todmorden male results were: Nick Barber 25th in 43.05; Chris Goddard 28th in 43.25; Paul Hobbs 39th in 44.41; Dan Taylor 56th in 46.48; Darren Shackleton 57th in 46.54; Robin Tuddenham 78th in 50.32; Paul Brannigan 115th in 54.47; Simon Anderton 121st in 55.30; Richard Blakely 1st V75 and 140th overall in 1.00.05. The men’s team took 3rd place in the team competition.