Spenborough AC reach 50th anniversary milestone

Sheila Bolland, Marjorie Bain and Roy Bain with event organiser Emma Rawnsley, Rob Chaplin and Jackie Carter at the anniversary celebrations.

The club were formed in the summer of 1965 and were originally part of Airedale and Spen Valley Athletics Club, based in Bradford.

In 1970 there was construction of a stand at the Princess Mary Stadium and in 1974 the Spenborough club was one of the first stadiums in the country to acquire a new tartan track.

The all weather track gave Spen athletes an opening to better competition and attracted top competitors to the club, including Peter Crampton, who won the European Junior title at 400m, went on to be a member of the Great Britain 4x400m squad and ran in the 400 metres hurdles in the Atlanta Olympics.

Guest of honour was international long distance runner Dr Ron Hill MBE, who won the European Marathon in Athens in 1968 and Commonwealth Marathon in Edinburgh in 1970 as well as representing Great Britain in three Olympic Games.

Ron entertained the audience with tales of his early running days, hard training regime and his experiences in countries he has competed in.

In its 50th year, Spenborogh AC is still thriving with over 300 members and the club self manages the Princess Mary Athletics Stadium on their Monday and Thursday training nights.

Long standing members Roy and Marjorie Bain, along with Sheila Bolland, were recognised for their service to the club and were presented with awards at last Friday’s celebratory event.