The Adelaide Harriers Amateur Athletic Club is the oldest club of its kind in South Australia, with a rich history dating back over 100 years. The club is affiliated with Athletics SA, providing members with the opportunity to participate at state and national levels in athletic competitions.
While the club excels in distance running, it caters to athletes of all distances, both in the summer and winter seasons. With many masters athletes and a balanced gender representation, the club fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for runners of all levels and abilities.
The Adelaide Harriers Amateur Athletic Club has strong connexions with the Adelaide Harriers Little Athletics Club and the South Australian Masters, both of which utilise the club's South Parklands facilities. These collaborations create seamless transition pathways from junior to senior athletics, allowing athletes to progress and develop their skills within the club.
In addition to its athletic pursuits, the Adelaide Harriers also value the social aspect of club membership. Throughout the year, the club organises a variety of informal social activities, often centred around post-training meals or post-race gatherings for coffee or drinks. These events encourage members to interact and form connexions in a friendly and low-pressure setting. The club's Facebook page serves as a platform for members to engage with one another and stay updated on club activities and communication.
The origins of the Adelaide Harriers Amateur Athletic Club can be traced back to its formation in 1913 by a group of passionate athletes from the former Archer Street Harriers. Originally named the North Adelaide Harriers and Walking Club, it was later renamed the Adelaide Harriers and Walking Club in 1914. The club initially held race meetings in the North Parklands, then relocated to the Victoria Park racecourse in 1914 before finding its permanent home in 1921. Over the years, the club has seen changes to its track surfaces, from couch grass to iron fencing in 1932, and the replacement of a grass track with cinders in 1950.
In 2010, the track was reverted to grass due to the unavailability of cinders. The current clubrooms were established in 1987, and although the club uniform design has evolved over time, the colours have remained consistent with red and white.
To become a member of the Adelaide Harriers Amateur Athletic Club, individuals can join at any time throughout the year. Club fees are affordable and inclusive of training activities, group coaching, and access to the club room gym and facilities during group training sessions. To partake in club training, membership and payment of club fees are mandatory, which can be completed through the membership portal on the Athletics South Australia website. Various membership options and prices are available, with an early bird discount rate if joining before October 1st, 2023.
The most common choice for adult members is the “RECREATIONAL” membership option, which costs $145 (with a $10 increase after October 1st, 2023). This membership includes club fees for 12 months, liability insurance cover, and membership with Athletics SA.
The Adelaide Harriers Amateur Athletic Club welcomes individuals of all ages, abilities, and athletic ambitions, providing a supportive community for runners to pursue their passion for athletics in Adelaide.