We’re an athletics club based in Richmond, Melbourne. Both men and women, young and less young form the club, ranging from the social to the competitive. The club holds regular training sessions with experienced coaches every week for those interested. During winter, we host our own races which are free to all members. There are also various social events throughout the year. This includes a trivia night, functions, and the occasional mini golf nights!
Will I be too slow?
This is the most common question we get. The whole purpose of the club is to provide an environment where you can improve and develop, no matter what stage you are at. You don’t have to be fast, you don’t even have to be fit. Maybe you did a fun run and liked the thought of running regularly with a group, or maybe you want to get that personal best and need a push in the right direction. Your best plan if this sounds like you is to turn up to the club rooms on a Wednesday evening at 6pm to meet some of the helpers and other runners.
Aren’t running clubs just for elite runners?
A lot of people seem to think this. While most clubs, including ours, do have some talented athletes among the membership, the reality is that have everything, all the way from those just beginning to run, all the way to the more experienced athletes.
Wednesday Evening Run
Runners that consider themselves beginners, or just don’t know where they might suit are encouraged to turn up to the club rooms on the corner of Gleadell st and Highett st in Richmond (click for map) on any given Wednesday evening throughout the year at 6pm. On this evening there will be a range of runners of varying ability and there will always be someone to look after you. This is the ideal starting point for all new runners to the club, and then once you have learnt about the various mentors and groups, you can branch out as you improve. For more details, please contact us on Email.
Intermediate/Advanced – Middle – Long Distance
This group suits those who would like to join a group of runners who train to achieve high performance in middle distance (from 800 metres) and long distance running up to marathon.
Structured training sessions are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from either the Collingwood Athletics track in Heidelberg Road (click for map of Coulson Reserve, Heidelberg Road) or our Clubrooms (click for map of club room) at 5:30.
Contact Bill Peterson on his mobile: 0413 537 082 for details or send him an Email at peterson-bill@hotmail.com
Distance running group
This group has training runs throughout the year. Organised by Joji Mori and Neil Ryan, they focus structured training for long distance runners. This includes anything from 5km and up to half marathon and marathon distance training, at any level. This is an ideal group to start with if you have done a few fun runs and want to improve your training in a measured and controlled way. We typically organise a session on Tuesday evenings starting 6pm at the club rooms and also arrange a long Sunday run at Lysterfield park or Ferny Creek in Mount Dandenong.
Email Joji Mori on joji_mori@hotmail.com for further details.
Park Running Group
Our club have many members who run (and volunteer) at the Studley Parkrun most Saturdays every year. You can often see club members in their Richmond merch each week. After the run, the group enjoy having a coffee and a cake at the cafe. More info here https://www.parkrun.com.au/studley/, please join the Richmond Harriers club at parkrun! Contact newmembers@richmondharriers.org.au if keen to learn more.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I have to run in the Athletics Victoria races?
No. Many Richmond Harriers do compete for the club in the AV competitions and so is a prominent part of the clubs activities. However, it is worth asking around the membership to determine if it would suit you. There are also many opportunities to come and try, which is a good way to dip your toes in.
Who can join and how much is it to join?
Please visit the membership page for details on club membership options and costs.
When and where are the club races?
Richmond host races for club members all year round. In Winter, we host cross country and road races, while in summer, we host our own track and field events. The list of races for the upcoming season can be found here
Where are we?
The club is based in Citizens Park, located on the corner of Highett and Gleadell St.,Richmond, Melbourne. click for map.
Tough as Nails: A History of Richmond Harriers (1913-2013), Roger Trowbridge
The Richmond Harriers have been running for 100 years out of Richmond. As part of the centenary celebrations in 2013, Roger Trowbridge authored the book covering the history of the club. Anybody with an interest in the Richmond Harriers, grassroots athletics clubs, or even the history of Richmond would find this book interesting. For a copy of the book, please contact us by email on info@richmondharriers.org.au
Need Further information?
Other Links
For athletics gear & advice (shoes, clothes & accessories) visit Runners World in East Kew (click for map)
If you are moving to England, we recommend joining the Ranelagh Harriers (click for map)