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General
Fleet and Free
A History of Birchfield Harriers Athletics Club
By Gareth Rogers
The most successful club in the history of British athletics,
Birchfield Harriers was formed in 1877, born out of a dispute over a
cross country race and named after the old district about which they
centred their activities. Ever since its inception over a century ago,
Birchfield Harriers has been at the forefront of innovation and
development of the sport of athletics. Indeed it was the first club to
own it's own track and to employ a full time administrator. Now based
at the Alexander stadium, the UK's premier Athletics venue, the club
is undergoing a process of reorganisation heralding another
significant era in the development of this most famous of athletics
clubs.
With an enduring reputation in long distance running, the 'Stags' have
also had an increasing impact on the success of track and field
events, at not only national but global level. The ultimate accolade
of Olympic Champion has been diligently pursued and claimed by
Birmingham-born talents Denise Lewis in the heptathlon at Sydney 2000
and Mark Lewis-Francis with his 'glory leg' in the 4 x 100m at Athens
2004. Other success stories are commonwealth champions Bob Weir, Ashia
Hansen and Du'aine Ladejo, international athletes such as Glen Smith
and
Kelly Sotherton , and disabled World Champions and
Record holders such as Deborah Brennan.
Illustrated throughout with photographs and memorabilia from the
club’s own archives, much of which has never been published before,
this book will be a delightful read for all those interested in
British athletics.
The book can be purchased by visiting the publishers website at www.tempus-publishing.com
THE AUTHOR
Gareth Rogers' professional sports broadcasting career began as an Athletics
correspondent with BBC Wales in the mid 1970s. Now an advisor to Birchfield on
commercial development of the club, Gareth has been ably assisted at the
Alexander Stadium by an editorial board, comprising club president Tom McCook
and club archivist Wilf Morgan.
The first public book signing of 'Fleet and Free: A history of Birchfield Harriers' will take place at Ottakars, Park Street, Walsall between midday and 4.30pm on Wednesday July 27th. Present will be the Olympic Gold Medallist Mark Lewis-Francis MBE and his coach Steve Platt as well as the author. All three are residents of the town.
For your chance to
win a copy of
'Fleet
and Free'
simply answer the following
question:
Question :
Where are the Birchfield Harriers based?
CLICK HERE to e-mail us your
answer.
Please put "Birchfield" as your subject
and remember to include your name and address so that we can send the lucky
winners their prizes.
The draw will take place on July 30th 2005
Good luck !