WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Formed out of the St Ignatius Harriers, a new running club based in Richmond was born in 1913. The club was registered with the Victorian Amateur Athletics Association but disappeared during WW1.
In 1918 a new athletics club emerged in the region. First known as the “North Richmond Mutuals”, their origins were in the Church of Christ, Young Men’s Improvement Society (est 1895). However, in 1926, the “Mutuals” adopted the name “North Richmond Harriers”, altered their kit and moved the club rooms from Coppin Street to Richmond Baths.
BLACK & GOLD
The year 1936 brought significant changes to the club including a name change to “Richmond Harriers” (the original 1913 club name). The black singlet with gold sash returned to take it’s place as the club uniform where it has remained ever since. After a short stint at Burnley Oval, the Club Rooms were relocated to the ‘ARP’ on the corner of Highett and Gleadell Street where it still sits today.
GLORY DAYS
The 1960s and 70s period was undoubtedly the zenith of competitive athletics at Richmond Harriers with many athletes making it to national level and putting in “A” grade performances. Club Records tumbled during this period when athletes such as Ray Solomon, Robert Walace and Bob Falconer cementing the Harriers reputation for long and middle distance running.
A CLUB FOR ALL
In the 1980s, the fabric of the club was improved enourmously with the introductions of women’s membership which brought its own competitive success.
MASS PARTICIPATION
Recent years have seen substantial changes in the Richmond area with an international demographic. Those who come through the club find a home away from home and are welcomed into the Harriers community.
Whilst many actively compete in Atheltics Victoria and National level competitions, the Harriers have grown to offer as many opportunities as possible for members to participate, associate and socialise through the club.
Richmond Harriers: A History, Roger Trowbridge, 2013
“Over its many decades of life this club has learned its lessons well. It has survived war; it has adapted to the challenges of changing leadership; it has prospered through times of athletic triumph and persisted when there were just a few who held the faith. Through all those days there is still the black and gold, still the tiger stripes, still the Honour Board of names who have done the club and themselves proud. Through all these years, as some have left and others grown old, there still has been one more knock at the clubroom door, one more fresh face, hopeful that they have come to the right place to meet someone who cares and says: “come and have a run with us. What’s your name again?”
