The exhilarating eight mile route, which follows the ridges from Wetherlam to Swirl Howe and Coniston Old Man, has become a favourite of the Todmorden club and a regular fixture in the club’s Fell Championship. This year 32 Harriers tackled the course, many of them taking advantage of the spring weather to camp in the village and enjoy a weekend in the heart of the fells.

The race set off under clear blue skies on a perfect spring day, much in contrast to the official forecast of high winds and mountain fog.

Some of the top names from the fell running world were amongst the 300 competitors who left the starting field for the first, and steepest climb of the route, the leg sapping Mouldry Bank. Multiple former winner and fell running legend Ian Holmes led the way, along with his Bingley club mate, Rob Jebb, but with Todmorden’s Chris Smale and Andy Wrench in close attendance the omens looked good for a successful day for the Harriers.

As the runners made their way around the route the clear weather gave the competitors stunning views of the highest Lakeland fells as the field snaked along the narrow ridges.

On the final descent off the Old Man of Coniston, Holmes used his famous descending skills to make sure of victory, crossing the line some 200 yards clear of Jebb. Amongst the Harriers, Andy Wrench looked strong at the death, claiming a creditable 9th place. Next Tod athlete home was Chris Smale finishing 20th after holding his own with the leaders until the last descent.

In the ladies race Natalie White of Bingley dominated throughout, for a time keeping pace with the elite men.