History

Formed in September 1981 after a meeting between Graham Slocombe and Brian Beale in a fun run at East Huntspill and grew to over 100 members, with 25 running in the 1983 London Marathon.

Over the years, the club has competed in the Avalon Cross Country League (now defunct) and Somerset County Cross Country Championships. We have also hosted the Avalon League, the County and County Schools Cross Country Championships. Club members also officiated at the English Schools Cross Country Championships at Hestercombe in the 1990’s.

In 1985, the club promoted the Burnham Half Marathon for 10 years, reforming and continuing to organise the race since 2006. The club also took over the Brent Knoll Race from BASC in the mid 1980’s and continues to organise this popular event.

Honourable mentions go to Martin Rogers and Kevin Crenol on their county representation in the South West Inter Counties Challenge in 2006; Brian Beale on gaining the Jim Brunton award for services to the Somerset County Athletic Association in 2008; and to Arthur Gilbert MBE, for services to charity through completing many races and triathlons. Arthur was also a bearer on the 2012 London Olympic torch relay. More recently Sue Nicholls has regularly been among the fastest ladies in the country in the female age category at marathon and half marathon distances, automatically qualifying for marathons in London, Boston, New York and Chicago.

Today, club members regularly run in many local and national events including 10 km races, half marathons, the Somerset Series, Great North Run, London and global marathons. The club has prospered in recent years with a growing membership, regular race participation and a well attended club night that supports all runners. Junior and beginner running clubs, Thursday evening fitness club and an occasional early Sunday morning run for anyone willing are now on the weekly calendar.

In June 2015, the club organised and successfully launched Burnham and Highbridge parkrun, attracting new and seasoned runners to an event that is held nationwide every Saturday morning.

Brian Beale 1936 – 2020 – Tributes

Is it with great sadness that Brian Beale sadly passed away in May 2020 due to the Coronavirus, As noted in our history page above, Brian is a founding member of Burnham Harriers and a stalwart to the club and athletics throughout Somerset. Our thanks to the tribute given by Paul Chadwick from Wells City Harriers. Further tributes can be found here:

Reg Huxtable (Harriers Coach in Running Fitness) – Brain Beale
Steve Dorrall (Club secretary) – Brian Beale memories – SD