Club History

Frank Melville (second from right front row)

Elswick Harriers are the oldest established athletic club in the North East of England having been founded in 1889, the same year that the Amateur Athletic Associations recommended rules became compulsory for all athletics in Britain. The clubs first Head Quarters were in the Chesterfield Arms on Elswick Road before moving to the Black Bull in Stanhope Street.Over the years the club has had various bases before finally in 1994 settling at Newburn Leisure Centre, Grange Road, Newburn.

Elswick Harriers have had many famous characters in their long history with Frank Melville being the first famous name winning the 1908 Morpeth to Newcastle Road Race, and in the years 1907 - 1909 being without peer in the North of England.

The 1920's were a golden age for the club despite the harsh economic times with many of the poorer runners struggling to afford a pair of sandshoes. It was during this period that Norman Woodcock started running for the harriers, but it was only when he retired that he came to prominence in the club, and it was largely down to this man that the club survived after the Second World War. As one member said of him: "Norman Woodcock was Elswick Harriers". A six-mile Road Race is held in his memory in the first week of December.

Alex Burns (leading the way) 10,000 metres, Los Angeles 1932	Alan Lillington (far right) 100 metres, Helsinki 1952

The 1930's produced the great Alex Burns who represented his country over 5000 and 10000 metres at both the Los Angeles and Berlin Olympics. A truly wonderful athlete, Alex sadly passed away at the grand old age of 95 in May 2003.

Elswick Harriers has also produced two other Olympians in Alan Lillington (1952 - Helsinki) and Mike Mcleod (1980 - Moscow, 1984 - Los Angeles and 1988 - Seoul). Alan reached the second round of the 100 metres in Helsinki going out to the eventual winner.

Mike Mcleod (no. 380) Los Angeles, 1984

McLeod's career has made him a legend in the North East. Over a career spanning nearly 30 years Mike is still the only Briton ever to have gained a Silver Medal in the 10000 metres at the Olympics, finishing second in Los Angeles in 1984. His successes are legion but locally he won the first ever Great North Run in 1981 and on the local scene set a record which is unlikely to be surpassed having won the Saltwell Road Races 14 years in succession beating many famous names in the process. Mike is currently our Club President and still actively involved in the club.

Elswick compete in both local and national competitions but are always actively seeking new members of all ages and abilities.