ABOUT

Our HISTORY

Game Changers Since 1881

Rooted in History • Open to ALL

We are a running club with a heritage as rich as our community, shaped by history, tradition, and a deep sense of belonging.

Our origins begins with Richard Jones, 3rd Viscount Ranelagh, whose Irish title left its mark on southwest London. In 1881, members of the Ranelagh Cricket Club founded Ranelagh Harriers, adopting the dark blue and amber colours we proudly wear today.

Since then, Ranelagh Harriers has been a driving force in British running - embracing new ideas while honouring our long history as one of the oldest athletics clubs in the country.

Our name reflects the origins of cross-country running - “Harriers” comes from spirited Irish hunting dogs and the 19th-century “hares and hounds” races, where runners chased paper trails through the countryside. These influences celebrate both our Irish roots and the early days of organised distance running.

From these beginnings, we have grown into a friendly, inclusive club - proud of our heritage, shaped by our community, and always moving forward.

Where History Fuels Innovation

1881

Founded by members of the Ranelagh Cricket Club, making us one of the UK’s oldest running clubs.
The club's first home was at the Green Man on Putney Heath and the earliest recorded runs were out to the Windmill on Wimbledon Common and back.
1883

Ranelagh Harriers becomes one of the founder members of the English Cross Country Union. Renamed in 1933 as the English Cross-Country Union (ECCU ), this eventually merges in 1992 to becomes the ECCA..
Ranelagh remains one of only eleven of founder members still in existence.
1895

We organise the ‘Flying Squadron Race’ at Stamford Bridge, the first ever recorded relay race. The Sportsman reports, “It is to be hoped that other meetings will follow the Ranelagh Harriers’ example in the matter of including a novelty in their programmes. The flying squadron race was quite the feature of the afternoon”.
1930s

Sadly, redevelopment in Putney forces Ranelagh to look for a new home in the mid-1930s.
A suitable site was found in an old pavilion at the back of the Dysart Arms, right on the edge of Richmond Park. New courses were quickly devised in the park as the club settled in.
WAR!

Running activities are interrupted by World War 2, when even those still at home were unable to use the Park which was closed for the duration.
1950s

The end of hostilities brought a period of struggle for survival for Ranelagh, but by the mid-1950s things were on the upturn again, and the club started to look at improving its accomodation at the Dysart.
1960s

In 1967 a new pre-fabricated dressing room was erected, though the old ramshackle bath-house was still in use.
1970s

Description gRanelagh hey day?