A Brief History Of Haywards Heath Harriers
Our History
60 years of athletics, achievement and community
From a small group of young cross-country runners in the 1960s to an established athletics club serving Mid Sussex, Haywards Heath Harriers has spent six decades encouraging participation, developing talent and bringing people together through sport.
In 2026, the club celebrates its 60th anniversary — a history that includes county champions, international athletes and one of Britain's greatest Olympians.
The early years: 1965–1966
Athletics in Haywards Heath predates the Harriers.
An earlier organisation, Haywards Heath Athletics Club, existed before the Second World War. Although few records survive, it is believed to have briefly re-emerged after the war before disappearing in the mid-1950s.
The foundations of today's Harriers were laid in 1965, largely through the efforts of Phil Nash and Tim French.
In February 1966, the club formally affiliated to the Amateur Athletics Association (AAA), establishing the year recognised as its official formation.
Several local families were instrumental in those early years, including the Hayman, Heasman, Humphries, Jones, Pyle, Robertson, Rowe and Scott families.
Their enthusiasm and dedication helped establish a club that would flourish for generations.
From cross-country to all-round athletics
Cross-country running was the original focus of the Harriers, initially attracting mainly school-age athletes.
As those youngsters grew older and parents and volunteers became increasingly involved, a senior section developed.
Over the following decades, the club expanded to embrace virtually every aspect of athletics, including track and field, road running, cross-country, trail and ultra-distance running, relays and indoor competition.
While the popularity of individual disciplines has fluctuated, the club's commitment to providing opportunities across the sport has remained constant.
Track and field continues to be an important part of the summer programme, while road running and cross-country attract athletes of all ages and abilities.
An Olympic champion among us
The most celebrated athlete to emerge from Haywards Heath Harriers is undoubtedly Daley Thompson.
Thompson began his athletics career with the Harriers before progressing to higher levels of competition.
He went on to become one of Britain's greatest sporting figures, winning Olympic decathlon gold medals in 1980 and 1984, alongside World, European and Commonwealth titles.
His early achievements remain a source of considerable pride for the club.
Other Harriers who progressed to international representation include Debbie Peel (3,000m), Emily Goodall (800m), Duncan Malins (110m hurdles) and Kevin Holland (cross-country).
In 2018, James Skinner and Marion Hemsworth also earned England masters representative honours over 10K.
Championship success
The Harriers have enjoyed considerable success across road running, cross-country and track and field.
In the Sussex Road Race Grand Prix, the women's team won the championship in 2009, followed by men's victories in 2012 and 2013.
2014 marked a historic achievement, with the club winning both the men's and women's championships in the same year. Both teams successfully defended their titles in 2015.
Cross-country has also provided memorable moments. The men's team progressed from Division Three to the top flight, finishing runners-up in the 2016–17 season.
During the same period, the women's team and men's B team also secured promotions.
The club's young track and field athletes achieved notable success by winning the Under-13 League Plate in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
These achievements reflect the strength of the Harriers across different ages and disciplines.
Our sporting homes
For many years, the club was based at Oathall Community College.
A significant development came in the late 1980s, when the Harriers established a grass athletics track and field facilities at Whitemans Green, near Cuckfield.
Whitemans Green became the club's summer training home and remains central to its activities.
Winter training subsequently moved to Warden Park, providing indoor facilities for coaching and athlete development throughout the colder months.
Together, these venues have supported generations of athletes and helped the club develop its sporting programmes.
Building the future of athletics
As Haywards Heath Harriers celebrates its 60th anniversary, attention is firmly focused on the future.
The Whitemans Green Active Track project represents an important ambition to improve local athletics facilities and create new opportunities for athletes, schools and the wider community.
The proposed development includes an approximately 1 km, two-lane, all-weather community track, designed to make athletics more accessible throughout the year.
Alongside improved facilities, the club remains committed to developing young athletes, supporting coaches and volunteers, and encouraging participation at every level.
Sixty years — and counting
Since 1966, Haywards Heath Harriers has been shaped by thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, parents and volunteers.
From muddy cross-country courses to international championships, the club has built a sporting legacy that extends far beyond medals and records.
Today, the Harriers remain true to the principles on which the club was founded: participation, friendship, sporting development and a shared love of athletics.
The first 60 years have provided plenty to celebrate. The next chapter promises just as much.