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Two-mile detour for cross country runners after pranksters move race marker
Mischief makers sent 60 cross country runners on a two-mile detour when they moved a route marker flag the night before a race.
The seven-mile Windmill Whiz race from Ogden Reservoir became a near nine-mile slog for the leading half of the 122-strong field as they were sent off-course towards Oxenhope.
But the prank meant Todmorden Harrier Dave Collins enjoyed a rare moment in the spotlight. He had taken part in the event several times before and took the right path to seize his chance and come home first.
Organiser Allan Greenwood had put out the route markers in the fading light on Friday prior to Saturday's 11.30 am start.
He said: "I told all the runners that it was a simple left-handed route and that they would not have to turn right and would always have the windmills on their left.
"Unfortunately a marker had been moved and even some runners who had taken part before didn't realise they had gone the wrong way."
Greenwood said the reaction of the inconvenienced athletes had been tremendous.
"They were really good about it. In other sports there might have been a lot of complaints but many people seemed quite pleased that it had given some of the others a chance.
"Dave Collins said it was his best ever win - by default!"
See the full report, results and more pictures from the race.
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Weather for Halifax
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy snow
Temperature: -3 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
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Sunny spells
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