ABOUT US
Blaydon Harrier and Athletics Club offers a range of athletics activities to everyone aged 8 years and above, for both coaching and competition. We're a friendly and inclusive club, and welcome everyone who wishes to participate, coach, officiate or volunteer, regardless of ability or experience. Whether you're a novice, or an experienced athlete, we can help you achieve your athletics goals.
TRAINING
Our experienced and qualified Coaches and Run Leaders offer training sessions twice a week, for a variety of athletics disciplines, encompassing endurance running, sprinting, throwing and hurdling. Training is held on a Tuesday and Thursday evening at Blaydon Leisure Centre.
FACILITIES
We're based at Blaydon Leisure Centre and on training evenings we have exclusive use of the running track, as well as access to the Centre's toilets. Our members also benefit from a discounted Go Gateshead membership, which will give you access to all of the facilities at Blaydon, including the gym and changing rooms, as well as access to all of the Go Gateshead leisure sentres and facilities.
HISTORY
Blaydon Harriers formed originally in 1908 and was active until 1952, headquartered at the Bisley Hotel, Blaydon. The club took part in competitive events, mainly cross country and road racing, interrupted only by the years of the Great War and the Second World War. The club was re-formed as Blaydon Harriers and Athletics Club in October 1963 and secured training facilities at Blaydon Grammar School, now Blaydon Leisure Centre. Since reforming, the club has thrived in competition in road, cross country and track and field and have had two Great Britain Olympic representatives in Kirstie Wade and Jill Hunter.
THE BLAYDON RACE
Created in 1981 by Dr James Dewar, the Blaydon Race is an athletics road race from Newcastle to Blaydon. Taking place annually on the 9th June, it follows the route of The Blaydon Races song. The well-known Geordie folk song was written by Gateshead born Geordie Ridley and chronicles an eventful coach ride from Newcastle, across the Tyne to the Blaydon Races on the 9th June 1862. The first Blaydon Race attracted 212 athletes and now sells out over 5,000 available spots within record time each year.