ABOUT BELGRAVE HARRIERS

Belgrave Harriers was founded over one hundred years ago in 1887 and in those early days our headquarters actually were in Belgravia. Races were held along the Embankment of the River Thames and over the common lands south of London. Nowadays our track & field athletes train at Battersea Park, Crystal Palace, Wimbledon Park, Kingsmeadow ... while our Clubhouse at Wimbledon, just a few hundred metres from Wimbledon Common, offers changing accommodation and showers for cross country and road runners, race walkers, and multigym and weight lifting facilities for all members at no cost beyond the annual subscription fee.

We are looking to increase our membership and offer a warm welcome to men and women, boys and girls - anyone who wants to have a go, no matter what standard and as long as they are at least 11 years of age. We might have some of the fastest runners in the country but we also have some of the slowest!  It doesn't matter whether you want to be competitive - or simply want to do some gentle exercise to keep fit.
Our club house in Denmark Road, Wimbledon, just off The Ridgway, is open on Saturday afternoons from about 1:30pm.  Enjoy a run or walk on Wimbledon Common and, if you are fit enough, maybe across the Common and into Richmond Park.  After your exercise you can enjoy refreshments in the bar/refreshments room.

If you like the idea of a little competition then we are sure to have a team to suit you.

In Track & Field our senior men take part in British League Premiership Division and the Southern League.  Our women's teams compete in the UK Women's Athletic League Division Three. Both men and women are welcome as guests in the London Inter-Club Challenge and we have a team in the Rosenheim League.

The club takes part in a whole range of Cross Country, Road Relay and Road Running events including all the major championships and local leagues for men and women, boys and girls - and veterans.

We have a proud tradition of Race Walking and enter teams in a whole variety of events on track and road for both sexes and all ages.

And just recently we have started a Triathlon Section.  It's early days yet but we have affiliated to the British Triathlon Association and intend to feature in Triathlon competitions in the very near future.

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The Millennium Stadium, Battersea Park.  Photo by Rex Bale.

Where do we train?

Do you want to come along and try athletics?  You'll be very welcome if you turn up at one of the following venues.

Road & Cross Country

For Road Running, Cross Country and Race Walking our headquarters are at Belgrave Hall, Denmark Road (off Ridgway), Wimbledon SW19  - Get there at about 1.30pm on a Saturday ready to start out at 2pm.

For a Sunday run, our more senior members tend to leave from Belgrave Hall at 10:30am.  However, for the more fleet of foot, we recommend a large pack run - organized by our colleagues at Thames Hare & Hounds, departing from Robin Hood Gate, Richmond Park, at 10am.  Runners from several clubs attend - including Belgravians; all abilities catered for.

Of course, the clubhouse is still available to use for this run, as a base.  Robin Hood Gate is a light 15-20 minute jog across the Common.

Track sessions

If Battersea Park is more convenient on a Saturday then what about trying Frank Horwill's legendary endurance sessions - open to all clubs - commencing at the Millennium Stadium at 11am.  Several Belgravians attend.

For Track and Field we'd be pleased to see you at the Millennium Stadium, Battersea Park, SW11 -   Tuesday or Thursday evenings at 6:30pm for a session with either Charlie Dickinson's or Arthur Bruce's middle distance squads, Bob Bridges' sprints squad or David Lucas's group (Tuesday's only).  Alternatively, Frank Horwill's "public" endurance session begins at 7pm.

Youngsters

Coaching of children between the ages of 9 and 11 is undertaken at Battersea Park by the Wandsworth Junior Athletic Club.  For more details contact Vilma Thompson at the Millennium Arena, Battersea Park, on 020 8871 7537.  Cost is £2 per session.

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Would you like to join?

Our subscription rates are currently £35 per year for those over 20 years of age, £25 for those over 17 and £15 for those under 17.  Second-claim membership is £25 per year and special rates exist for family groups and students.  Subscriptions are due on 1st April each year. An additional £5 is also required if you wish to be registered with England Athletics for competition.

We look forward to hearing from you.  If you'd like a membership application form then click here and take the print option.