Adelaide Harriers Athletics Club is a renowned athletics centre located in Adelaide, South Australia. With a long and distinguished history dating back over 100 years, it is the oldest athletic club in the state. The club is proud to be affiliated with Athletics SA, providing members with opportunities to participate at state and national levels.
While the club focuses strongly on distance running, it caters to athletes of all abilities and interests, offering training and facilities for all distances both in summer and winter seasons. Adelaide Harriers Athletic Club boasts many masters athletes and prides itself on maintaining an even gender balance within its membership.
The club's South Parklands facilities serve as a hub for athletics activities and events. In addition to hosting Adelaide Harriers Athletic Club, the venue also accommodates the Adelaide Harriers Little Athletics Club and the South Australian Masters, further fostering a strong sense of community and offering transition pathways from junior to senior athletics.
Beyond the sporting aspect, Adelaide Harriers Athletic Club places great importance on social activities. Throughout the year, members have the opportunity to engage in informal social gatherings such as meals after training or post-race coffees and drinks. These activities contribute to creating a friendly and low-pressure social environment where members can interact with one another on their own terms. The club's Facebook page serves as a central communication tool and provides a glimpse into the vibrant social life of the club.
The roots of Adelaide Harriers Athletics Club can be traced back to its founding in 1913 by a group of passionate athletes from the former Archer Street Harriers. Originally known as the North Adelaide Harriers and Walking Club, it adopted its current name, Adelaide Harriers and Walking Club, in 1914. The club initially held race meetings in the North Parklands before relocating to Victoria Park racecourse in 1914. The current site of the club was established in 1921, featuring a couch grass track that was upgraded to a fully enclosed iron fencing track in 1932.
In 1950, the grass track was replaced with cinders before being converted back to grass in 2010 due to the unavailability of cinders. The club's modern clubrooms were built in 1987, with its iconic colours of red and white remaining a constant throughout the years.
For those interested in becoming a member of Adelaide Harriers Athletics Club, the membership portal on the Athletics South Australia website provides a convenient and easy way to join. Club fees are affordable and cover a wide range of benefits, including access to training activities, group coaching, and the use of the club room gym and facilities during group training sessions. Annual membership fees can be paid through the membership portal, with early bird discounts available for those who sign up before October 1, 2023. The “RECREATIONAL” membership option is most popular among adult members, costing $145 for the 12-month period.
Adelaide Harriers Athletics Club is a well-established and inclusive athletic centre in Adelaide. With its rich history, strong emphasis on distance running, and commitment to providing a supportive and social environment for its members, it continues to be a driving force in the athletics community. Whether one's goal is to compete at the highest level or simply maintain fitness, Adelaide Harriers Athletics Club offers a welcoming home for all athletes in South Australia.