The London Olympics are now less than five years away and Birmingham’s athletics clubs are keen to identify, develop and nurture new potential to increase Britain’s medal haul in track and field.

There are four principal athletics clubs in Birmingham. The largest, and most successful is Birchfield Harriers, producing 100 Olympians over the last 100 years. Founded in 1877, its recent stars include Olympic, World Championship and Commonwealth Games medallists Denise Lewis, Ashia Hansen, Mark Lewis Francis and Katharine Merry. The club trains at Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, and has use of Birmingham’s world-class indoor High Performance Centre.

Athletes in other parts of the city can also benefit from quality coaching and excellent training facilities. Sparkhill Harriers train at Fox Hollies Leisure Centre in Acocks Green, while Royal Sutton Coldfield Athletics Club meets at Wyndley Leisure Centre. Members of Rowheath Athletics Club use the training facilities at Birmingham University in Edgbaston.

Athletics clubs are run entirely by volunteers; without their dedication and hard work the clubs simply could not operate. Clubs are always grateful for support from new volunteers. Whether you are an aspiring young athlete, a parent, a veteran runner or simply an athletics fan with a few hours to spare each week your local club would love to hear from you.

At the bottom of this page you will find links to the four main athletics clubs in Birmingham, as well as other useful websites. See below for features and profiles of club members, officials and volunteers.