Bright Future for Bella

President Erica Christie

Being founded in 1892, Bellahouston Harriers are one of the oldest and most famous running clubs in Scotland. The Club’s most successful period was perhaps in the early to mid 1980s when renowned athletes including Peter Fleming, Andy Daly and Tony Coyne wore the distinctive vest. However the halcyon days are long gone and it’s now ten years since Jimmy and Sandra Irvine left the club to form Bellahouston Road Runners, since then the Club has struggled to find its way with internal divisions on the way forward. It would appear that whilst some members wanted to reach out and attract new members of mixed abilities others were hamstrung by their belief that the Harriers should remain an exclusively elite club. In the absence of any clear leadership membership dwindled and reached an all time low of eight in 2009. Some believed that the Club was in real danger of folding. However the last twelve months has seen a reversal of fortunes for the South Glasgow club, some members have gone on a recruitment campaign, targeting the Glasgow parkrun and other events with more than a little success. Membership had risen to over 150 by the time the Club held its AGM in September. The meeting allowed the differences in opinion to be aired and for democracy to take its course.
The result is that the Club now has its first female President in its 118 year history, Erica Christie, who is one of three women on the new seven member committee.

Progress hasn’t necessary come at the expense of success though as Erica, Bernie O’Neil and new recruit Suzanne McMahon ran to victory in the recent George Cummings Road Relay veterans’ race.  Once again the future looks bright for Bella.

UPDATE
Perhaps best for all concerned, a number of those opposed to the democratic changes have walked away from the Club and declared their intention to establish yet another club: Cartha Harriers.