Harriers Hop-off to Hopwood

13th August 2026

As journalists say, a quiet news week. Most of the Harriers deciding to have a rest and cast around for future races to compete in. Some Harriers added to their tally of Parkruns and travelled around the country to notch up another run.

Last Wednesday (3-9th August, 2026) saw 14 Harriers making the very short drive across Rochdale, to the historic Hopwood Hall at Middleton. The reason being to run in the 5.5 mile Hopwood Trot, a multi terrain race, combining tracks, paths and country lanes, around the historic hall.

Danny Bennett (MV55) was the first Rochdale Harrier to finish, taking 6th place overall, with a time of 31m, 33s, and winning his age category. A big well done to Danny. Next was Luke Burley (MV35), running the race in 33m, 43s, finishing 13th. In 21st place, in a time of 34m, 42s, was Phil Lockett (MV40). A little distance behind, but in a far higher age category, was Ian Dale (MV60), 41st, in a time of 39m, 16s. Then came two of Harriers longest serving members, another two Ian’s, Ian Stainthorpe (MV65) and Ian Aitchison (MV70). 73rd and 76th respectively, with times of 43m, 50s and 44m, 30s. The latter Ian, coming a creditable 2nd in his age category.

First Harrier lady to finish was Ruth Fearn (FV60), 117th, with a time of 48m, 3s and coming 2nd in her age category, impressively, beating much younger runners. Louise Saunders (FV40) was the next Harriers lady to finish, in 136th place, in a time of 50m, 59s. Following Louise was Lisa Fenton (FV50), getting around in 55m, 19s, in 152nd place. Immediately after Lisa in 153rd place was Christie-anne Cunningham (FV50), with a time of 55m, 25s. Sally Cook (FV45), finished in 55m, 56s, in 161st place. Sally, along with Louise and Lisa are all new Harriers members. So well done and best of luck to all three ladies, for future races.

This coming Sunday 16th August 2026 sees the 8th race of the RHAC and the Run the Moors Fell Grand Prix Series. A 10K trial race around Piethorne and Ogden Reservoirs.