Founded in 1907 by a handful of enthusiasts, club members soon made a name for themselves in the local athletic world and successful teams were turned out in a number of disciplines.
The Club has produced individual and team Champions at Yorkshire, Northern and National levels, with a number gaining representative honours for England and Great Britain on the road, fell & mountain running, cross country, triathlon and T&F. These honours and awards, too many to list here, were included in the book, ‘See How They Run: The History of Holmfirth Harriers Athletic Club’, written by three members to mark the club’s Centenary year in 2007.
To safeguard the future of the Club, a working group was formed in the late 1980s with two ambitions – to encourage more young people into the Club and to improve changing facilities. Both these objectives were achieved, with lottery funding and grants to rebuild Neiley pavilion, and various initiatives to increase interest and membership of juniors. As interest in athletics and associated disciplines widened a Triathlon section was introduced in the early 2000.
Over 100 years on and Holmfirth Harriers continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to the enthusiasm of its members.
We now have a strong inclusive membership of over 500 today. With the help of our qualified coaches and run leaders, we ensure the club actively caters for all levels, from beginners to elite, juniors to veterans. We continue to enjoy athletic success and actively encourage competition at all levels and ages.
The Club hosts several races, from fell to triathlon, and primary school to veterans’, which could not take place without the commitment of a core membership and team of volunteers.
Holmfirth Harriers is proud of its long and successful history and remains a grassroots athletics club run by its members for its members, with a great future ahead.