Diamond, Duddon and the Manchester 10K & Half Marathon, 2026

4th June 2026

Harriers at the Diamond Multi Terrain 10K Race

Wednesday saw six Harriers make the short trip to Dovestones Reservoir, to compete in the Dovestones Diamond Multi Terrain Race. A 10K race, with 500ft of ascent, starting at St Mary’s Church, Greenfield and going in an anti-clockwise direction, around the beautiful Dovestones Reservoir and extremely popular walking area, before finishing back at the school.

First Rochdale Harrier to finish was Phil Lockett (MV40), in 22nd place with a time of 46m, 33s, next was Chris Gee (M50), 102nd, in 58m, 48s. In 141st position was Neil Eaton (MV60), closely followed by Jenny Grindrod (FV55), running it in 1hr, 3m, 40s, in 143rd position. Then came Dan Merlo (MV50), in 155th place, with a time of 1hr, 5m, 23s. Louise Eadsforth was the final harrier back, with a time of 1hr, 9m, 33s, in 177th position. Overall a good night for the Harriers in a lovely location.

Dave and Jack at the Dave at the Duddon Valley Fell Race in the Lake District

Again a weekend devoid of Championship Races for the Harriers to compete in. Therefore, it was a case of “do your own thing”. Saturday saw Dave Parton and Jack Liddle make their way up the motorway, to the scenic Duddon Valley in the Lake District. Both runners taking part in the Duddon Valley Fell Race. Dave Parton running in the longer version, consisting of 18 miles (29km), with 6000ft (1830m) of ascent, going over Harter Fell, Hard Knott, Little Stand, Three Shires, Swirl How and finally over Dow Crag, before heading back down the valley to the finish at Seathwaite. A tough race on its own, but with the weather being hot (perfect for navigation and views), the runners had to carry water to keep hydrated, as it is a very dry route with few water sources. Dave (MSEN), finished in 47th position with a time of 4hrs, 13m, 53s. Jack Liddle opted for the shorter course of 10 miles, with 3000ft of ascent. Again the race started in Seathwaite but missed out the bigger peaks of Harter Fell and Hard Knott, though still going over Dow Crag, before descending to the finish. Jack (M40), finished 41st, in a time of 4hrs, 21m, 17s. So well done to both runners, not easy in that heat.

Sunday saw the Harriers heading to Manchester to take part in the Great Manchester Run. The race is actually two races, a 10k and a Half Marathon. In the 10K, Harry Clayton was the first Harrier to finish in a time of 36m, 45s. Followed by Bruno Rolinha in 43m, 38s. Adrian Mallison was next to finish in a time of 45m, 22s. David Bentley finished in 45m, 46s, followed by James Leach in 48m, 10s.

First female Harrier to finish was Anna Blomfield, running the course in 54m, 51s, after Anna came Samantha Fretwell, with a time of 57m, 8s, followed by Shirley Sneddon finishing in 1hr, 6m, 30s. Phil Lockett running in both races, finished in a time of 1hr, 5m, 40s.

Now you will have to bear with me here. The Half Marathon was run first, followed by the 10k. The time gap between the two allowed some runners to compete in both races, which explains the following. Phil Lockett was the first Harrier back with a time of 1hr, 31m, 20s, (Phil, then “jogging” the 10K afterwards, a busy few days for him). Next Harrier to finish was Gareth Bright, running it in 1hr, 37m, 48s, with Harry Page next, with a time of 1hr, 38m, 53s. Harriers first female was Megan Hooson, completing the course in 1hr 58m, 24s. Sadaf Saeed followed in a time of 1hr, 59m, 28s. Third Harriers’ female to finish was Caroline Hadfield, completing the course in a time of 2hrs, 25m, 20s.

Again next weekend is free of championship races. But the weekend after is Harriers main event organised by the club, The Three Day Event. Starting on Friday night on 12th June 2026 with the Norden 6 Mile Road Race, followed by The Naden Valley Multi=Terrain Race on 13th June, and finishing on Sunday 14th June with the Knowl Hill Fell Race. All the races are in Norden, race registration being at Norden Bowling Club. You can enter online or on the day.