Horspath Athletics & Sports Ground, a renowned athletics club in Oxford, has an incredibly vibrant and thriving Veteran's athletics section. In fact, this particular section has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, becoming one of the fastest-growing parts of the club.
For over two decades, Horspath Athletics & Sports Ground has been home to a formidable group of endurance runners in the older age groups, who have not only tasted success but also clinched multiple titles in road running and cross country championships. And it doesn't stop there – some of our very own track and field stars have gone on to not just compete, but also emerge victorious in British, European, and even World Championships.
One of the striking aspects of our Veterans athletics section is the warm and welcoming atmosphere. It truly is a part of the sport that embraces athletes of all abilities, providing them ample opportunities to hone their skills and enjoy the camaraderie that athletics brings. Training sessions specifically catered to our Veteran athletes are held on both Tuesdays and Thursdays, alongside other senior athletes who all share a passion for the sport.
We are always delighted to welcome new members to our club, regardless of their performance level. Many of our experienced veterans also take on roles as coaches, offering valuable guidance and expertise to fellow athletes. Moreover, they also actively participate in officiating and organising various events within the club.
Hailing from Oxford, our club boasts an impressive track record. Currently, we hold the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire Masters Cross Country title, showcasing our dominance in the field. In addition, our team has consistently excelled in road relays at both regional and national levels, leaving an indelible mark in the sport.
When it comes to track and field, we compete in the Western Division of the highly competitive Southern Counties Veteran Athletics League. This league offers fantastic competition, featuring four thrilling Monday evening matches held in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Wiltshire. As proud hosts of one of the matches each season, we offer athletes a chance to shine at Horspath Athletics & Sports Ground.
The competition is open to both men and women in the over 35, over 50, and over 60 age groups, with occasional inclusion of over 70s as well. We also have limited slots available for guest athletes who unfortunately don't make the team. With an illustrious past, our men's team has emerged victorious numerous times in the past two decades in this league. On the other hand, our women's team, founded in 2015, has already made its mark by securing a commendable third place finish and can proudly be called the fastest improving team.
But the excitement doesn't end there – for the winners of the Western Division, the road leads to the highly anticipated League Winners Final in September. And guess what? We have triumphed in this prestigious final on numerous occasions as well.
To get a glimpse of the immense talent that emerges from Horspath Athletics & Sports Ground, take a moment to cast your eyes on the attached picture. Here, you'll see OCAC Athlete Rob Webster, second from the right, proudly representing the GB 4 × 800m European record-breaking relay team in 2015.
So, if you're a passionate athlete looking to make your mark in the world of athletics, come join us at Horspath Athletics & Sports Ground. We promise you a warm welcome, fantastic opportunities, and a chance to be part of this incredible sporting community.