Senior race:
Winter returned with a bang in Todmorden – the day after Storm Eunice pummelled the country, the weather switched to whiteout conditions as driving snow welcomed the 185 runners who braved Flower Scar fell race. With a slightly shortened route this year to avoid fallen trees, the race was no less challenging as it more than made up for it in extra tussocks on the unforgiving Todmorden Moor. At over 1800 feet of climbing in just under 8 miles, this race is a real tester and a glance down the results shows its popularity with runners travelling from far and wide.
As one of Todmorden Harriers’ own club races, many club members were marshalling and supporting the race, rather than running. However, of the four Toddies running, Doni Clarke managed to secure a “home win”, beating Ed Hyland of Calder Valley by a minute and a half to take the crown. Tod men also picked up the team prize with Jon Wright in 8th and Ben Blosse in 15th.
Full Todmorden results:
1 Doni Clarke 65:13
8 Jon Wright 70:29
15 Ben Blosse 72:31
57 Stephen Johnson 81:06
Junior races:
As well as the main senior race, there were junior races at six age categories from under 9s to under 19s. These were based mainly in the woods above Centre Vale park, with plenty of lung-busting climbing and fast descending. The races also formed Race 1 of Tod Harriers’ Junior Grand Prix, which runs from February to November, comprising a mix of fell, trail and road races. Runners who complete 5 or more races are awarded a Gold prize, with a Silver for 4 and Bronze for 3 races. Given the severe weather on Saturday, you could argue that everyone who turned up deserved a prize!
Tod Harriers junior results:
Under 9s:
2nd Leo Wright
3rd Elsie Aspinall (1st girl)
Under 11s:
3rd George Aspin
4th Lily Aspinall (1st girl)
6th Mabel Daniels (3rd girl)
Under 13s:
6th Finn Tweed
Under 15s:
3rd Rosie Dawson (1st girl)