Welcome to Port Talbot Harriers Website

Notice to Members: Please read the Catles Relays Update.

Port Talbot is a small, but friendly running club which caters for all abilities. We run on the roads and cross country with the emphasis on having fun. For those who like jumping, throwing and sprinting, we are also in division 2 of the Welsh Track and Field League. We have regular training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. On Sunday morning, if theres no race, we head out on an easy long run. Training sessions are free and everyone is welcome to come along.

A Little History

Based in the local YMCA, the club was founded in 1921 and was then known as Port Talbot YMCA Harriers Club. Under the guidance of Arthur Williams the Harriers were ranked third best club in Wales for many years. One of the early stars was long distance runner Ike O´Brien.

Early in 1961, after being denied the facilities of the YMCA, Arthur led a movement to form an independent club. At a public meeting held in the Municipal Buildings on February 9th, 1961 Port Talbot Harriers and Athletic Club was born. Now based in Dyffryn grammar School, the winning tradition was carried on from father to son when, within a few days of the formation of the new club, Jim O´Brien won the Welsh Cross Country Championship at Seven Sisters.

An enthusiastic administrator, Arthur Williams was President of the Welsh AAA for seventeen years and remained a leading light at the Port Talbot club right up until his death at the age of 90 in 1983.

Final Championship table for 2008 can be found here

You can talk to members of the club on our Message Board.