CIRENCESTER Athletics Club was formed in June, 1985, the day after a number of runners from the town had taken part in a local race.

Current vice life presidents Bob Ferris and John Burgess were among the founder members who set the club on its remarkable journey.

The club organised its first event – a 10k road race at Siddington – later that year and it became the forerunner of the club’s current showcase event, the Cirencester Park 10k, run every September.

Club members travelled as far afield as Cornwall, Wales and the Lake District in search of competition. This team spirit has led to a growing social side involving a variety of events culminating in the annual awards presentation.

In 1990, the club decided to broaden its horizons by organising a second event which grew into the Chedworth Roman Trail 10-mile multi-terrain race although it started out as seven-mile road race.

More recently the popular evening race in Westonbirt Arboretum was added to the schedule.

The club has been an active supporter of winter cross country races, firstly in the Gloucestershire League and more recently in the Oxford League where many individual and team successes have been gained.

As well as a burgeoning local reputation the club has achieved successes at national and international level. Notable among these have been Ellen Leggate (nee O’Hare) who represented Great Britain on the track at 800 and 1500 metres and Wendy Nicholls (nee Jones) who has represented her country on the roads in 10-mile races and half-marathons.

The triathlon has become an increasingly popular event during the summer months and reflecting this, the club’s name was recently altered to incorporate this branch of the sport.

A number of members have also achieved international success in all corners of the world, among them Wendy Nicholls, Adrian Williams, Jon Wickett, Sarah Gunn, Carol Clarke, Diane Moore and Jenny Manners.

The club has continued to grow in stature and size, and currently boasts about 180 senior members and 60 juniors.

To enable them all to achieve their potential a number of senior members have become qualified coaches and give much of their time for the benefit of others.

Pam Wheeler and David Edelsten, current and former holders of the post of chairman, head a team of experienced race organisers, ensuring that all events held by the club are run to the highest standards of competitiveness and safety.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the club, a 10k adult race and 3k junior race were held within the grounds of Cirencester Park on June 29.

Club member Adrian Williams was an appropriate winner of the inaugural race.