Browse Sections

• Rochdale FC
• Rochdale Hornets
• Local football
• Local cricket

Cordingley speeds in victory in the sun

3/ 5/2008

SUNNY EVENINGS have been in short supply this month, so runners in the Colin Robinson Multi-terrain race were pleased to have perfect conditions.

The race, which involved a small and large lap around Cowm reservoir, saw the three fastest runners from Bingley, Horwich and Bolton neck-and-neck after the first lap.

On the second, hillier lap, the pack separated and John Cordingly (Bingley) pulled away in an impressive show of strength and speed to win the race in 23 mins 11secs.

This was no small achievement for a male veteran 50.

Local Harriers John Cook and Ian Aitchison had a tremendous battle on the course.

For the first lap around Cowm Cook and Aitchison were very close.

In the quarry section Cook’s off road strength enabled him to gain a short lead on Aitchison.

But Aitchison’s road running kicked in during the final section to make him first Rochdale Harrier to finish in 26.33, ninth placed overall. Cook was only 23 seconds behind in 11th place.

In the ladies’ race, Josefa Terim was pitched against some formidable competition, including Emma Flanagan, a rising junior athlete from Rossendale who had won this event in the past.

Jacqui Dews, of Holmfirth, was also in the field, fresh from her victory only the week before in the Steve Rothwell Memorial race in Norden.

Terim ran an excellent race, taking third place behind Flanagan (ladies’ winner in 28.14) and Dews (28.52).

The race was organised by Andy O’Sullivan MBE and run with assistance from Rochdale Harriers.

Results for Rochdale Harriers were:

9 I Aitchison 26.33; 11 J Cook 26.56; 29 M O’Reilly 29.07; 30 Josefa Terim 29.26; 31 M Moran 29.28; 32 N Walsh 29.33; 35 I Holloway 30.14; 40 M Cox 30.50; 48 Jenny Brown 32.54; 56 Kirstin Johnson 34.30; 57 S Wild 34.53.