Get fit with the Harriers

NOTHING like a bracing run in scratchy jumpers with a motor driving along beside you to keep you fit…

This fine group of runners from the Shettleston Harriers in 1937 were taking part in a publicity campaign for the club, which started up in 1904.

Its first clubhouse was a small shop on Gartocher Road. Donald McColl was elected president, Bob Nicol secretary and John Howieson treasurer.

The club’s website explains: “During the 20s and 30s the membership increased and there was greater diversification into other areas of athletics such as race walking and field events.

“Some of the best included Dunky Wright, Commonwealth and Empire Games marathon champion; and Jimmy Flockart, arguably one of Scotland’s best- ever cross country runners, who won the Scottish title four times between 1933 and 1937, and became the first Scot to win the International Cross Country Union in Belgium in 1937.

“Activity suffered during the Second World War, but then, just as after 1919, the club mushroomed and from the late 1940s onwards Shettleston Harriers has stood for excellence and consistency in Scottish and British athletics.”

One of the most famous Harriers was Lachie Stewart who won gold in the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

Are you a long- time member of the club? What are your memories from the early days? Did you see Lachie win gold?

Get in touch to share your stories and photos via: ann. fotheringham@ glasgowtimes. co. uk