The Mayor of Todmorden, Councillor Tyler Hanley, and Mayoress, Anna Brannigan, laced up their running shoes at the weekend to take part in the Red-Hot Toddy 10K race.

Traditionally the Town Mayor starts the race which is organised by the Todmorden Harriers.

But this year there was a twist with the Mayor deciding to dive right into the action, swapping the ceremonial start for a spot on the starting line.

The Mayor said: “When the Harriers asked me to open this year’s Red Hot Toddy race, I thought: 'Ok, why not start it … and run it?' So, that’s exactly what I did.”

placeholder image — Mayor and Mayoress at the finish

The challenging route, encompassing 219m total climbing, presented a daunting challenge, especially for the Mayor, who faced his first 10K.

The Mayoress, a more experienced runner, took it in stride, thanks in no small part to her membership of the Todmorden Harrier’s Monday Runday group.

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The popular Monday Runday Group, initially established for beginners and those returning to running, has evolved to encompass a diverse range of participants.

The challenging route, encompassing 219m total climbing, presented a daunting challenge, especially for the Mayor, who faced his first 10K.

Offering five distinct categories, including a fartlek group for speed improvement and a run-walk group gradually increasing running intervals, the Monday group offers a tailored experience for every runner and participants are welcome to join as frequently or intermittently as they wish.

The Mayoress said: “The Monday running club got me back into running, and the couch to 5k group were great and really inclusive and supportive.

"Without that motivation to start running again I wouldn't have been able to take on new challenges like the Red Hot Toddy"

In addition to providing a great days running in beautiful surroundings, the Red-Hot Toddy raises a lot of money for local charities.

This year the Mayor and Mayoress ran in support of The Old Library Cornholme, a food bank and cafe offering food support, a warm space during winter months, internet access, community meeting areas, and more.

As the Mayor and Mayoress crossed the finish line, they celebrated not only a personal milestone but a civic one: becoming the first sitting Mayor and Mayoress to run the event.

The Mayor and Mayoress have raised more than £700 for the Old Library Food Bank in Cornholme.