Bedford International Athletics Stadium

Resident Clubs

The Stadium is also home to three resident clubs; Bedford and County Athletics club, Bedford Harriers AC and Bedford Swifts RFC.

Bedford Harriers

Bedford Harriers was formed in 1985 by around a dozen people who got together to organise a road race (The Bedford Marathon). Since then, the club has grown steadily and they now have over 450 members.  The Harriers are primarily an adult running club with ages ranging from 17 upwards; there is no upper age limit.  The male – female ratio is around 50-50. The Harriers meet every Monday and Wednesday evening at 6.30pm and following a combined warm up session which involves the whole club, the members split into around ten groups of varying abilities. These training sessions are typically attended by over 100 members and usually last around 75 minutes. People interested in running are welcome to join the Harriers on any Monday or Wednesday evening. For those who are new to running, the club also organises an absolute beginner’s induction night each May. This induction night is then followed by a structured programme of training. In addition to its coaching and running activities, Bedford Harriers also stage a number of road races each year including the Wootton Half Marathon and the Oakley 20. These races attract over, 3000 entrants.

For more information on the club, please visit our Useful Links page.

Bedford Swifts RFC

Formed on the 31^st March 1950, Bedford Swifts are a well established and popular amateur Rugby club, providing the opportunity to play rugby for all abilities.

The Swifts are the only club in town to provide a full range of rugby activity throughout the year. Rugby Union between August and May and Rugby League from May to August.

For more information on the club, please visit our Useful Links page.

Bedford and County AC

The club welcome new members regardless of age, ability or standard. They have athletes ranging from total novice to top international athletes (Paula Radcliffe).

Bedford and County also cater for a range of opportunities for young people. These include;

• Bedford Beagles – A fun introduction to athletics for all 8 to 11 year olds. Every Saturday morning from 11.00am to 12.30pm.

• Passport to Athletics – A friendly session where 11-14 year olds are introduced to athletics event by event giving them the opportunity to learn more about the sport before taking it up either for fun or more seriously.

• Young people over fourteen – Those wishing to take up athletics can attend on training nights. The format will allow them to introduce them to a group and coach to train with who match their own aspirations.

For more information on the club, please visit our Useful Links page.

Produced by the IT Unit
Economic Development and Regeneration Group