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Club history
The Durdans
We are the oldest athletics club in Surrey
The club has been based at the Poole Road Track in Ewell since the 1950s, a facility now known as the Harrier Centre.
During the late 1880’s a group of fitness-conscious clerical workers formed a sports club initially called Epsom Men’s Club and at first their main interests were ball games and the occasional cycling tour of the surrounding countryside. A few members decided to organise some short runs which proved popular, and the club became Epsom Harriers in 1890. The first meeting was held in Epsom on grounds where the Cottage Hospital now stands in Alexander Road.
In its early years, the club collaborated with local organizations, such as the Epsom Cycling Club, to host community events. Notably, in 1893, they jointly organised their "Second Annual Ball" at the Epsom Public Hall.
Lord Rosebery
We're a competitive bunch
The first long race mentioned was on Feb 19 th 1891, a 6.5 Mile handicap race which started from the club ‘HQ’ at the Rising Sun Epsom to ‘Ye Leg of Mutton and Ye Cauliflower Hotel’ at Ashtead for a silver cup. The course was to the Drift Bridge and back through Epsom High Street and on to Ashtead.
Lord Rosebery who was then living at the Durdans in Epsom was asked to become Patron and then its first President in the late 1890’s. To this day the club emblem is the Rosebery family crest, a red rose on a primrose background .
The Rising Sun
We've survived two world wars
The club kept its head above water for the next 20 years but suffered a drop in its membership during the 1st world war. The 1920’s saw a steady rise in membership reaching 50 in 1935. A women’s team was formed in 1935 and won a cluster of titles and trophies and with the growth of Ewell, Stoneleigh and Worcester Park the name was changed to Epsom and Ewell Harriers.
During the 2nd World War years the club was fortunate enough to have as members two outstanding British Athletes, George Tolley who was team manager of the English Cross country Team and Jack Crump was secretary of the British Amateur Athletics Board.
Ye Leg of Mutton and Ye Cauliflower Hotel
A history of success
The club reached a peak at the 1948 Olympics with four club members representing GB, Ron Ede 400 yards hurdles, Margaret Birtwistle, discus, Kay Long, javelin and Elspeth White in the sprint relay team.
Throughout its history, Epsom and Ewell Harriers has been dedicated to fostering athletic talent across various disciplines and age groups. The club's commitment to excellence is evident in the achievements of its members. For instance, in 2023, athletes Lisa Boland and Anne Nelson secured multiple medals at the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland. Lisa earned silver in the 60m and bronze in the 200m for the W40 category, while Anne clinched bronze medals in both the 60m and 200m events for the W70 category. Lisa is also V40 60m British Record Holder & V40 100m British Record Holder.
Today, Epsom and Ewell Harriers continues to thrive, offering training and competition opportunities for athletes of all levels, and remains a cornerstone of the local athletic community.
