With the race also being a counter for the British Championships it was a very select field that took on the 5 mile course in good conditions, from the agricultural show field.

The ladies’ race was won by Natalie White of Bingley Harriers in a time of 35:56. First Todmorden lady was Ali Richards in 26th place; rapidly followed over the line by Claire Duffield in 28th and Kath Brierley in 33rd. Chris Preston finished as 2nd lady V40 and 41st overall.

The men’s race was won by John Heneghan of Pudsey & Bramley in 28:55, a time many runners would be happy with on the flat, but with 1500 feet of steep ascent and descent squeezed in between it was an impressively fast pace.

Not far behind was the first Todmorden man home, Chris Smale, who rounded off an excellent showing in this year’s championship with another solid run.

Full Todmorden results – Men: 22 Christopher Smale (31:54); 90 Dave Collins (37:21); 126 Martin Roberts (39:36); 129 Paul Brannigan (39:48); 146 Andrew Bibby (42:07); 148 Phil Hodgson (42:15); 156 Jeremy Godden (44:26); 162 Richard Leonard (45:21); 185 Derek Clutterbuck (59:59). Ladies: 26 Alison Richards (41:39); 28 Claire Duffield (41:59); 33 Kath Brierley (42:54); 41 Christine Preston (44:07); 48 Jane Leonard (45:37); 65 Sue Roberts (51:12); 70 Mandy Goth (53:55).

l CLOSER to home, many Harriers were either involved in the organisation of, or took part in, the Blackshaw Head Fete Fell Race.

Whilst the fete itself suffered from a waterlogged field, it did nothing to deter the 64 runners that lined up for the 5½ mile course.

The leading group of five runners that included both Sean Carey and Nick Barber in contention for the win took a wrong path mid way through the race and lost valuable time.

Unfortunately, too much time and effort had been lost and despite strenuous attempts they were unable to regain the front of the race. Local resident Greg Elwell running in the colours of Halifax Harriers triumphed in 43:04.

First Todmorden Harrier to finish was Nick Barber who recovered back to eighth place just over a minute behind the winner. With top future prospects Sean Carey in 12th and Matt Crowley in 18th not far behind, they narrowly landed Todmorden the award of first team ahead of neighbours Calder Valley.

Sean added to this season’s growing credits as he pipped his club mate to the under-18 prize which was some consolation for the lost places in the overall placing.

First lady home was Todmorden based, but unattached runner, Lauren Jeska in 49:35. The first Harrier lady was Paula Haworth, who along with Sarah Moss and Rachel Allen combined to take the honours as first ladies team.

Full Todmorden results: 8 Nick Barber (44.22); 12 Sean Carey (44.57); 18 Matt Crowley (46.40); 34 Rhys Watkins (50.31); 53 David O'Neill (66.23); 56 Paula Haworth (72.22); 59 Ian Stansfield (80.40); 60 Sarah Moss (84.24); 61 Rachel Allen (87.24); 62 Jill Greenfield (92.05).