Harriers host 30th run bash

LAST weekend saw the 30th running of Rochdale Harriers Three-Day Event, a series of three approximate six mile races over the road, trail and fells of Norden.

- DAVE PARTON

Friday night's road race drew a healthy 132 runners who tackled the tough, hilly route. Starting from the Bridge bus terminus the race heads up Edenfield Road followed by a steep descent down Ashworth Road, along the length of Clay Lane before heading back into the village to finish on Blackpits Road.

First racer back was Dom Carter of York Postal Harriers in a time of 33:29, followed by Stephen Campbell of Liverpool Harriers in 34:56 with Middleton Harriers' Jordan James Hughes completing the prize places with a time of 35:33.

Rochdale Harriers' own Steph Harrison was the first female finisher after 45:06, followed by Lousie Gray of Middleton Harriers in 47:15 with Royton Road Runners' Rochelle Reading third in a time of 50:39 to complete a local podium.

In total, 45 runners lined up the following morning for the trail race, a three lap punchy route around the Naden woods, starting at the bottom of Furbarn Lane, finishing in Norden Jubilee Park with an added river crossing this year due to bridge repairs.