Horsforth Harriers was established in 1985 following a chance meeting between runners and old friends Gordon Little and John Holmes. After a chat about their running goals, the pair decided to place an advertisement in the Wharfe Valley Times seeking other runners who would be interested in joining a running club in Horsforth. A week or so later the ten potential new club members set out for their first run.
The club has grown from that initial few to over 200 members in the past 40 years. Horsforth Harriers is widely regarded in the running community as the friendliest running club in North West Leeds. It remains a club that welcomes experienced runners, as well as new runners starting out and seeking the encouragement and support of fellow runners.
Horsforth Harriers is primarily a road running club and members take part in races from 5K through to marathon, ultra and beyond. Members also take part in cross country, fell and trail races. The club does not consider itself to be an “elite” club and there is no compulsion for members to take part in races or events.
The more experienced runner will also find much to inspire them at Horsforth Harriers. The club’s faster runners are constantly striving for improvement and pushing themselves to the limit in races at local, national and international levels. The club has a rich history of race victories in both team and individual categories throughout the three decades since its inception.
“People who join us seem to stay with us proving that as a club we must be doing something right. My motto for the club has always been 50% running and 50% social, and long may that continue to be so.”
Horsforth Harriers welcomes runners old and new every Tuesday and Thursday at Horsforth Brewery, 143 New Rd Side, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4QD.