East Cheshire Harriers have created an established and successful team steeped in history that dates back to 1922.

Olympians, national champions and fitness fundraisers, East Cheshire Harriers boasts a plethora of inspirational alumni. 100 years since it was founded, the club continues to motivate and encourage athletes of all ages and abilities.

When Dukinfield Harriers joined forced with Tintwistle Harriers, the green and gold team was born, and the club saw great success from its origins.

A brief history

During the 1930s East Cheshire’s headquarters was a small wooden hut behind Stamford Park boating lake. This was ideally located for cross country events, an area that the club have always excelled in.

When the Second World War struck the nation in 1939, several members of the team served in the armed forces. Athletics was in limbo, with many questioning if they would ever return to their favourite sport.

A handful of members managed to keep the club together and as runners returned, some were unable to compete after suffering war injuries.

Moving forward, between 1947 and 1950 East Cheshire developed from being an average local club to a recognised major force nationally.

Fear struck in 1963 when the club was forced to find a new headquarters. A fire had destroyed the old premises, but thankfully Ashton Council came to the rescue providing temporary accommodation in the municipal changing rooms at Richmond Street.

Excitement arose when news spread that Ashton Rugby Club were to move to a new site. Their building on Richmond Street was put up for sale and East Cheshire Harriers were interested.

Ashton Lacrosse Club also competed to relocate to this building. East Cheshire debated their bid long into the night and fixed on a figure of £1055, with the last £5 being added on at the last minute.

The team were overjoyed to find they had secured their new home and although the competing bid was never revealed, the rumour was they had won by £5.

As fate willed them to settle at Richmond Street, membership began to grow, and parents began to join too.

With the running boom underway, Tameside Council recognised the importance of athletics in the area, and in 1987 they began to construct a new athletics stadium at Richmond Street.

The stadium was announced open on April 16, 1988, with a new all-weather surface 400m track. Flood lighting was provided, enabling year-round use of the facilities.

In the 10 years that followed, the club, members and teams won titles in the world of athletics at local and national level.

The team was home to some unbelievable women runners too, with athletes Joanne Harding and Diane Brockley making part of the 4 x 400, national championship team and Diane Anderson securing trials for the Olympic Games.

In more recent news, Georgia Taylor-Brown has impressed on a national level at both Olympic and Commonwealth Games, starting her journey at East Cheshire Harriers.

East Cheshire Harries are renowned as a club with a long, distinguished history. But they are also looking forward to the future.

Now, more people than ever can enjoy taking part in athletics, something that the founding members could only dream of.

Pictured: Ron Hill, Harry Kelly, Martin McGann

To celebrate 100 years of success, East Cheshire have planned an exciting centenary sports day on Saturday 17 September.

Allowing members to face off in various competitions, the event will see a team competition before offering a buffet and refreshments. This is open to the public, including members, ex members, their family and friends.

The club are kindly asking anyone who attends to make a small donation to the club if they can. Local businesses can also support the day with raffle prizes or food, they can do so by emailing echjuniors@gmail.com.

Anyone who would like to enter a team for the sports day can also do so by emailing echjuniors@gmail.com for further details.

Celebrations continue into the night where a member-only bingo and disco evening kicks off at 7pm.

East Cheshire Harriers is at the heart of the Tameside sporting community, connecting members of all ages and inspiring them to keep fit.

They look forward to another successful 100 years, where they will collect countless medals and enjoy a plethora of races.

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