On track
AFTER VIEWING inspirational athletes at summer ’ s Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics , youngsters living in or around Winchester may be interested in trying a new sport .
Winchester & District Athletics Club ( WADAC ) has nearly 800 members , most of whom train regularly either on the University of Winchester athletics track at Bar End , in nearby fields , or out on hilly roads .
It ’ s the fifth largest athletics club in England
ABOVE : Hammer throw
( based on numbers ) and its history goes back to the early 20th century . The present WADAC was brought about in 1976 when the local Junior Rotary Club organised a run , a bit like today ’ s parkrun , to raise money to start an athletics club . The facilities at some of the local schools were initially used and during its first three years , WADAC members included seven county champions .
By the early 1980s the club ’ s membership had grown to more than 300 . In 1982 the club organised a 26-mile race around the city ’ s streets , but with hills on the way in and out , it was a logistical nightmare . The race took place again in 1983 as a half marathon , which is still held .
The boom in athletics as a beneficial and social form of exercise led to Winchester City Council working with the University of Winchester to build the running track which opened in 2009 and is still used today . The recent relocation of the city ’ s Leisure Centre from the Riverside site to the grounds adjacent to the track has quickly made the old Garrison Grounds an exceptional regional hub for the wide range of facilities available .
The professional approach to the establishment of the athletics track has greatly helped WADAC ’ s ability to attract and develop budding athletes of all ages , and several evenings a week you will see up to 100 athletes being coached and trained . A member of several county and regional leagues , WADAC became a Charitable
PHOTO : Tony Cole
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Incorporated Organisation ( CIO ) in 2018 and its central aim is to provide the entire community with the opportunity to experience fun , healthgiving benefits and develop into the best possible athlete . The club always needs more volunteer officials ( if you are interested , contact chairman Paul Cox ) and welcomes all age groups and abilities . If you ’ d like to try out , pop along to a session or enquire about a social event .
wadac . org . uk
ww www . . . lightingagency . . co . uk info @ lightingagency . co . co . uk . co uk Tel : 01420 446130
Tel : 01420 446130 Unit 8 Hartley Farm , , Hampshire , GU34 3HS Unit 8 Hartley Farm , Selbourne , Hampshire , GU34 3HS
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