The Westbury Harriers - Yate AC Partnership

In April 1997 Westbury Harriers and Yate AC took arguably an unprecedented step to form a partnership.  We agreed that Westbury Harriers would become a specialist cross-country and road running club, while Yate AC would specialise in track and field.  In freeing up each club to concentrate resources on its speciality, the results have been very positive.  Recruitment is strong, transport costs have been cut by 30 percent, and ever-stretched club helpers and officials get a bit of breathing space during the year.

The partnership arrangement means that athletes from Westbury Harriers can join and represent Yate AC on the track (for free), but are not obliged to do so. Under BAF rules, they can join and compete for any club on the track, while continuing to run for Westbury on the road and country.  Similarly, Yate AC athletes can join Westbury for road and country races, but are not obliged to do so.

Performances since the partnership have been excellent:  Westbury Harriers have won the AAA 10 mile and 10k championships, and consistently turn out strong teams at the local, regional and national level.  Yate AC has made strong progress in the leagues, with the young athletes teams, in particular, competing at the highest level.

When you come to run on the track, be aware of the different age-groups and leagues which apply.