Club Information : Overview

Background

Since its formation in October 1910 the club has achieved many team successes, particularly in cross-country and road racing.

In the history of the club Jack Holden stands out as our most successful member and in a career lasting more than twenty five years his numerous achievements included Commonwealth and European titles.

Since the 1960's we have had the most successful mens club in Britain at cross-country and road relay racing and have represented England in the European Club Championships on several occasions over all surfaces.

In the same period, and without local facilities for track training, many have represented their country on the track.  These include Allan Rushmer, Andy Holden, Mike Kearns, Eddie Wedderburn, Tony Milovsorov, Pete Griffiths, Steve Emson, Geoff Eales and the late Bert Harbach.

Many of our young athletes have competed with distinction in the National Schools Championships and medal winners include, Steve Emson, Dave Watson, Dave Wilson, Germaine Francis, Luke Davis (who set an under 17's record of 10.44sec. for 100m in 1997) and Philip Nicholls.

Recently Martin Williams took part at both Commonwealth Games & European Championships at the Marathon.

Our Ladies section, formed in 1956/7 has gradually increased in membership and success acheived.  We are proud of the success at international level of one time members including Sandra Bentley, Sandra Lappage, Bev Hartigan and Marian Sutton.

Tipton can also claim four athletes who held national track records during their career with the club:

  • Jack Holden - World record for 30 miles
  • Ron Bentley - World record for 24 hours running
  • Mike Kearns - British record for 1500m
  • Steve Emson - British Universities record for 1500m

Facilities

The facilities available to the club include

  • A new floodlit athletics stadium (Opened in December 1998) constructed to international standards with all-weather surfaces and provision for all track and field disciplines
  • A large sports hall which can be used for indoor training. This is particularly useful for winter conditioning work
  • Excellent modern changing facilities

Training

Training takes place throughout the year on Tuesday & Thursday evenings (from 6pm) and on Sunday mornings.

Coaching

A team of qualified coaches cater for track and field events, road running and cross-country running covering all recognised age groups.

Communication

Communication is, to a large extent acheived by word of mouth from the coaches and team managers but key information is displayed on club notice boards located in the corridors adjacent to the sports hall or on the club website.

Social Functions

A small team arrange a number of social functions and fundraising activities throughout the year and they are always open to suggestions from members.

Why not join?

Athletics is great fun if you enjoy being fit, and it's even more of a pleasure in the 'family' atmosphere that exists in Tipton Harriers. Whatever your present level of performance or your aspirations to improve, you will find kindred spirits at Tipton.

We are always in need of members who would like to progress as coaches, timekeepers, judges etc. and the club has a policy of funding training for these roles. If you want to be a supporter why not become an Associate Member?

To request an application form and details of present subscription rates please contact the Membership Secretary.