Ipswich Harriers Athletics Club, located at Northgate Sports Centre Sidegate Lane West, Ipswich IP4 3DJ, is a prominent sports club and a proud affiliate of several prestigious associations such as UKA, SEAA, EAA, SCAA. The club offers a wide range of activities and welcomes enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
To become a member of Ipswich Harriers, interested individuals can visit the Joining page on the club's website, where they will find application forms and information about club activities. However, it's important to note that due to high demand, there is currently a waiting list for new members.
The club's dedicated officers and committee members work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the organisation. Led by President Lee Bowker, the committee includes key positions such as Chair Mandy Godbold, Hon General Secretary Margaret Leek, Treasurer [Treasurer's Name], and Membership Secretary [Membership Secretary's Name]. Other committee members and officers include Road Running Secretary Mandy Godbold, Cross Country Secretary Bridget Read (SWL), Officials Secretary Tony Fuller, Track Secretary Tony Cheatham, and Coaching Secretary Chloe Godbold, among others.
Ipswich Harriers Athletics Club is actively involved in various leagues and competitions, providing opportunities for members to showcase their skills and meet like-minded individuals. The club's league teams are expertly managed and include Senior Men SAL and EAL teams, Senior Women SAL and EAL teams, Male EAL (excluding Senior Men) team, Male EYAL team, Female EAL (excluding Senior Women) team, and Female EYAL team. Suffolk Winter League races are also organised for members who prefer cross country and off-road events.
The club's fixtures include road races, cross country events, and track & field competitions. The Suffolk County Athletics Association calendar contains details of road races for 2023, while the Harriers' fixture list lists track & field events for the same year. Championship events provide additional opportunities for members to excel in their respective disciplines. Timetables for Southern Athletics League (U17, U20 & Seniors only), Eastern Young Athletes League (U13, U15 & U17 only), and East Anglian League (All age groups) are available for reference.
Ipswich Harriers Athletics Club facilitates member participation in away league meetings by providing coach travel. While the club arranges transport for Eastern Young Athletes League, East Anglian League, and Southern Athletics League meetings, athletes are responsible for their own transportation to Open meetings. Coaches for away league meetings depart from the road outside Northgate Sports Centre, and Team Managers communicate pick-up times the week before the event. Non-member parents/guardians who wish to accompany their children on the coach must coordinate with the relevant Team Manager and may be asked to contribute to travel costs.
It is essential that participants do not park their cars in Northgate Sports Centre car park, as it will be locked until the next morning.
For individuals who are new to the club or have any queries or concerns, the friendly and knowledgeable coaches, Team Managers, and Club Officials are readily available to offer guidance and support.
Ipswich Harriers Athletics Club takes pride in its involvement in cross country and off-road events. The club participates in various series and associations, including CCS (Cross Challenge Series), EAA (Eastern AA), ECCA (English Cross Country Association), SCAA (Suffolk County AA), SEAA (South of England AA), SSAA (Suffolk Schools AA), and SWL (Suffolk Winter League). The Suffolk Winter League, in particular, follows a format where individual scoring is based on the best four out of six events. The Senior races are typically around 5 miles long, with Junior races spanning approximately 2 miles.
Start times for Junior races may vary depending on the hosting club.
Ipswich Harriers Athletics Club strives to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for athletes to grow and achieve their full potential. Whether individuals are passionate about road races, cross country, or track & field events, the club offers an inclusive community where members can develop their skills, forge lasting friendships, and become valuable contributors to the world of athletics.