Harriers Turn Out in Force for Thrilling Pike Race
On a day where two hand grenades were found at the nearby reservoir, thankfully the only thing going off with a bang was the Rivington Pike race. One of the oldest and most prestigious fell races in the calendar, with support from local shoe manufacturer Walsh and the running retailer Sportsshoes, it’s the biggest event of Horwich RMI Harriers’ year. Whilst the race is a testament to the club’s storied past, the 2025 results were auspicious for its future.
The day kicked off with a fine victory for Finlay Stokes in the U9 race, 10 seconds clear of the competition in 4.02. Alex Jones as a strong 5th in 4.37. Zachary Chan was 10 th in the U11s, clocking 7.10, just ahead of Oscar Wilkinson in 12th (7.16). Matilda MacDonald was 6th girl (8.03), Archie Fletcher finished in 8.08 and April Mort in 9.23. Ben Essex-Crosby carried his cross-country form onto the fells, with a brilliant 4th place (10.17) in the U13 race. Louis Yates (11.31) and Toby Macdonald (11.39) could hardly be separated. Jenson Cumberbatch clocked 12.58, Abigail Taylor 14.38 and Jennifer Irving 18.32. The U15s saw Benjamin Higgins (16.32), Matthew MacDonald (17.21), Jack Titmuss (18.44) and Amelia Shan (21.35) mustering strong performances. The final junior race was the U17s, with Harry Yates in 5th (15.02) and Emily Hyder running exceptionally well to finish 2 nd girl and 6th overall with a time of 15.11.
The final event was the senior race, with the 3pm start giving plenty of time for the nerves to build. A sea of red and black vests present at the start to support their club’s race. Newly minted Lancashire Fell Champ Mark Titmuss continued his excellent start to the season, winning the Challenge Cup trophy for 1st Horwich member to finish. He clocked 21:12 for 16th (6th Junior) on the 3.25 mile (800ft) route. Once again, he beat his dad, James (22:09), who had the consolation of taking the 1st V45 prize. He, Marcus Taylor (22:26) and Adam MacDonald (22:45) combined to clinch the male Veterans team prize. Charlotte Wilkinson was 1st Horwich female across the line and 4th woman overall in a time of 24:14. Ed Swift had the pleasure of being joined by his eldest daughter, Rachel and three of his grandchildren, Sam, Sarah and Henry as three generations of his family took on the iconic race. Ed, with a PB in 1993 of 22.33, celebrated his 43rd completion of the race.
For those with an elevation aversion, Salford 10k road race was held on the same day. Graham Schofield clocked 44:53, Jason Middleton continued his fitness progression with a 49:03 and Julie Williamson ran 1:04:55.
At Parkrun, Alex Fowler ditched the pram and stretched his legs in a solo effort at Worden. He was rewarded with a pacy 18:15 and 3rd finisher, proof that buggy running builds some serious strength. James-Scott Farrington continued his impressive form that saw him win Bolton 10km, finishing 1st at Muncaster Castle. Rob Jackson ran 18:44 for 9th overall and 1st in age grading at Peel.