History Of the Traralgon Harriers
In 1967 When Ron Clarke was one of the world's most successful distance runners of all time, athletics was a very popular sport. And no less so in Traralgon, where there was a highly successful track and field competition for young runners.
A number of runners, particularly the adults, expressed the interest in long races, including those on the road. The idea of a “harrier” or distance running club, so-named after the English cross-country running clubs, was proposed. One early supporter was the late Geoff Watt, an experienced international runner, who believed that a running club would be more successful and more secure if it based its membership on distance runners – those who had a commitment to all year round fitness. Watt, however, is more generally remembered as the father of Olympic champion cyclist, Kathy Watt.
A core of distance runners formed the new Traralgon Harriers club, conducting their own road races through winter and competing on the track during the summer season. Sadly, the Traralgon track and field competition collapsed leaving Traralgon Harriers as the surviving club. Nonetheless, the club was already strong and itself-reliant. It grew in size and its members were successful in winning many Victorian road event pennants for their performances and a number have also represented Australia overseas.
