Orchan Rocks organised by Todmorden’s Dan Taylor was an evening of records and firsts!
It was the first evening fell race of the year with the first warm evening sun of the year and first 2024 fell race with hardly any mud. Well certainly in the Tod GP anyway!
Records were broken, largest number of entries for one of Dan’s races at 134. Fastest men’s and lady’s finish times were recorded. Dan suspected it could be the highest Tod Harrier turn out for a race at 43. Statto checked back and found 46 Toddies at Cowm Resevoir in 2022. But 43 a very close 2nd.
There was also a cracking number of entries from our friendly local rivals Calder Valley with 29. This made it like a local derby race.
Calder Valley’s on form Martin Howard was first over the line in the record-breaking time of 21:28. Second place was Todmorden’s Doni Clarke in 22:43, also taking 1st M40. Third place Joe Ormerod in 23:22.
First lady was Sinead Bent of Salford Harriers with the lady’s record time of 26:06. Second lady was former Tod Harrier Annie Hassell who now runs with Wharfedale Harriers in 27:40, and third lady Todmorden’s Janine McGregor-Stead in 28:32 and 23rd overall
Focussing on Tod Harriers, 2nd Tod to finish was Dom Leckie in 4th overall and Jon Wright 10th.
Rebecca Howell was 2nd Tod lady in 43rd and 3rd Mel Blackhurst in 56th. Tod ladies won the team prize.
Two Todmorden ladies won age category prizes too, Mel Blackhurst F55 and Jane Leonard F60. The special prize of first locals went to Rebacca Howell and Dom Leckie.
And back to the firsts, welcome to 2 new members running their first race for Tod, Sam Threadgill and Eddie Neale.
Plus Hannah Knox, Rebecca Howell and Will Tyson running their first ever fell race, which I believe they all enjoyed and can’t wait for their next one!
Full Todmorden results below:
