Stanhill Fell Race, Bradford 10K and Cowm 5k, 2025

4th June 2025

Jake at Cowm showing the Seniors how it’s done

By Harriers standards last week was relatively quiet, although ten Harriers did make the short trip over to Oswaldtwistle, to run in the Stanhill Fell Race. Being the third out of eleven races in both the RHAc Fell Championships and the inter-Clubs Run the Moors Fell Grand Prix.

Stanhill had a reasonable amount of climb over the distance, 5 miles (8km) in length, with 800ft (250m) of ascent. The race started and finished at Britannia Tap and Grill on Haslingden Old Road. It was an out and back route. Originally first run in 1995 as a college project and only allowing students to enter, it has now become a mainstream fell race. First Rochdale Harrier back was Dave Parton (MS), 8^th, in 33m, 36s, followed by Ryan Keenan (M45), 23^rd, in 35m, 33s. An improving Jonny Lawler took 26th position in 35m,56 sec. Lee Meadowcroft was take the 2nd MV40 place in 37min, 06 sec. Jennie Ransome was the first Rochdale Lady Harrier and was also 1st FV60 overall, achieving 64^th, in 42m, 7s. Second Rochdale Harrier Lady was Julie Smith (F55), 129^th, in 1hr, 2m, 52s.

One Harrier made the journey over the border to run in the Bradford 10k, another exciting out and back route. Starting from the city centre and heading out to Shipley, before returning and finishing outside the City Hall. Tahir Ali was our sole representative, finishing the race with a PB of 45m, 5s.

Tuesday night saw a superb turnout of Harriers in the Whitworth Whippets Cowm 5k. The race was the third in the RHAC Road Race Championships series and alsoa counter in our Juniors’ Running Championships. 24 Harriers took on the two lap course around Cowm reservoir, which has a tough start. The race starts at the bottom of the reservoir embankment, before a very steep dash up Tong Lane, then it levels out to give the runners a breather. After two laps of the reservoir, the athletes face a high speed sprint back down the road to the finish at the point where they started.

Danny Bennett (M50) did exceptionally well, finishing in 2^nd position, in 17m, 48s. In addition he also won his age category, so a massive well done to Danny. Following close behind Danny was Luke Burley (MS), 4^th in 18m, 23s. Phil Lockett (M40), 9^th, in 19m, 11s. The Harriers Ladies were led home by Molly Howell (FS), 29^th in 22m, 6s. In 42^nd position was Danielle Dignan (FS), finishing in a time of 23m, 40s. Louise Eadsforth (F55), was the third Harrier’s Lady, 63^rd in 26m, 19s. Mention must also be made of Ian Dale,for winning his (MV60) category, so congratulations to Ian. Last but not least, Junior RHAC athlete Jake Rigney posted 22m, 41s to beat many of the Senior athletes. This puts him at the top of the RHAC Juniors’ Running Championships, boys’ section.