|
|
Tanni Grey & Lyn Davies performing the Opening of the Bridgend Track and Clubhouse
|
|
Bridgend AC was formed in the early 1980’s when the Athletics section of Bridgend YMCA decided to “go it alone” in an attempt to attract funding to develop athletic facilities in the area. The club had a successful Junior section but members usually had to join bigger clubs to develop their full potential for track & field . The junior section dwindled in the late 80’s as the club led a nomadic existence . The senior Road & Cross Country section benefited from the boom years of the sport and attracted a large membership of all abilities.
|
|
The training group which grew around Steve Brace attracted runners from across South Wales and in the late 80’s and 90’s Bridgend AC become one of the most consistently successful clubs in the UK winning the London Marathon & Great North Run team titles as well as several Welsh & UK team titles on the Road and Country. Several members gained individual Medals and representative honours at all levels.
|
|
Due to the hardwork and perseverance of Steve Brace, Jon Embling & Ray Nicholson funding was arranged and a Clubhouse was built close to the Bridgend Recreation Centre - with the help of the Council and SPORTSLOT a 300m all weather track was opened in 1997 .
|
|
Sponsorship by Hedy Navidi of Physique Health & Fitness , Brackla, Bridgend which was SPORTSMATCHED by Sports Council helped the Club equip the facility , train coaches, arrange events to introduce youngsters to athletics and provide a development program .The club now has a thriving Junior section covering all track & field disciplines (Outdoors & In) and Cross Country . The number of active members in the Senior ranks has dropped recently but the Club can still provide good competition on Road,Country & track .
|
|
The Veterans (over 40) members form the backbone of the Senior men while we still retain a number of International standard members , and an influx of keen young ladies is strengthening the Senior Ladies team. The Club has organised events regularly including Welsh Cross Country Championships and Gwent League Cross Country fixtures. The popular Merthyr Mawr Xmas Pudding 10km was promoted by the club for 10 years until 2000.The Club tries to contest all Welsh Championships ,and has represneted Wales in the European Clubs Championships 1/2 marathon on 4 occasions. Participation in the Welsh Castles Relay in June is a social as well as competitive engagement and BRIDGEND AC has won the event outright twice .
|
|
Athletics Achievements
|
|
Ian Hamer - 5000m Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist
|
|
Helen Miles - 100m/200m Commonwealth Games
|
|
Wendy Ore - British InterCounties Ladies Cross Country Champion
|
|
Mike Crowell - Welsh Marathon Champion , GB International
|
|
Current Members include :
|
|
Steve Brace - twice GB Olympic Marathon, Winner Berlin, Paris and many other places .
|
|
Dale Rixon -Commonwealth Games Marathon , GB International
|
|
Gareth Davies - GB International, Marathon
|
|
Darren Hiscox -GB International -Road/Mountain
|
|
Marc Jenkins- GB Triathlon
|
|
Vince Thomas -World Junior Duathlon
|
