TRACK & FIELD

Thames Valley Harriers has one of the UK’s best Track & Field sections with a proud record of achievements dating back to 1887.

TRAINING

TVH provides every one of its members with the opportunity to train across Track & Field disciplines in a professional and welcoming environment. Training sessions take place at the Linford Christie Stadium.

Young athletes are encouraged to try an array of events, with training sessions taking place from 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Occasional training sessions are also run at the weekends. See our training page for more information.

COMPETITIONS

TVH provides comprehensive Track & Field competition for all of its athletes and for all age groups. The club competes in national and regional leagues and championships.

Leagues

Teams are selected by team managers and participation is free to registered club members. Transport (coach hire) from Linford Christie Stadium is provided for non-local league meetings.

Middlesex Young Athletes League (MYAL): Competition with local clubs for U12 to U16 age groups organised by Middlesex County Athletics Association. 

Youth Development League (YDL): we compete in the YDL Upper (U18 and U20 age groups) in a joint team with Ealing, Southall & Middlesex AC; competing as Team West London. http://www.ukydl.org.uk/index.html

Southern Athletics League (SAL): Regional senior league for both men and women. U18s and U20s can compete, but only senior weights (throws) and heights (hurdles) are used. All abilities welcome.

http://www.southernathletics.org.uk/

TVH have had great success in the SAL Premier Division in recent years, winning in 2022, 2024 and 2025.

National Athletics League (NAL): National league for men and women at U20 and senior levels. U18s can compete subject to the rules of the NAL. Senior weights (throws) and heights (hurdles) are used. Tends to be a higher standard of competition than the SAL and selection is based on performance.

https://www.nationalathleticsleague.org.uk

The TVH team managed by Manuel da Silva and Phil Wetton has been the dominant force since the NAL started in 2021 (replacing the previously separate men’s British Athletics League and UK Women’s Athletics League), winning the NAL Premier Division in 4 consecutive seasons 2021 to 2024 and retaining their title back in the 2026 season.

New young athletes age groups U12, U14, U16, U18 and U20 are due to be introduced in April 2026 which will necessitate some reorganisation of the leagues.

Championships

Championships are held at local, county, region and national level. Some may lead to team selections and further competitions (e.g. Inter-counties), some will have entry criteria but it is up to the individual to enter and pay entry fees. Championships are held for both individual events and combined/multi-event, and are held in the winter for their indoor and summer for their outdoors championships.

Middlesex Championships
South of England Championships
England Championships
British Championships

Athletes are encouraged to discuss their plans with their coaches, who will advise whether an athlete is ready to compete in these. This is particularly important if the athlete is new to athletics and there are no published entry standards.

English Schools/University Championships

Entry and initial selection is through the school or university where athletes will usually be required to meet a required standard.

Open Meetings

Open meetings are competitions organised by clubs, entry fees apply and individual entry only, some have closing dates and no late or entry on the day.

Open meetings are a good introduction to competition for new athletes. They also provide an opportunity for athletes to get an official performance (time, distance, height) for events if they want to be selected for the league teams.