Poole Athletic Club

Poole Athletic Club is based in the Dorset town of Poole. The Club claims to have been established in 1897,however, through its existence the Club has had several periods in history when it either merged with other sporting clubs such as Poole Wheelers or indeed had ceased to exist before being resurrected.

The Club's current format was established during the late 1960s when it was established as a Road Running club. Since the 1990s the Club has also developed a Junior, Track and Field Section and Cross Country sections

The Club has won the Dorset Road Race League many times during the last 15 years, and now also competes in the Hampshire Road Race League. The Club also competes in the South-West League, National Junior League and Southern Mens & Womens Leagues.

During 2006 the Club was granted UK Athletics Clubmark Certificate for quality.

The Beast

Poole Athletic Club organised the infamous multi-terrain cross county race know as The Beast. The race starts in Corfe Castle and follows tracks to the Purbecks coastal path, along to Chapman's Pool and the "famous" steps of Houns Tout, before returning back to Corfe Castle. The race is held the weekend following the August Bank Holiday.

Meeting Times

Currently the Club meets at the track behind the Ashdown Technology College on Canford Heath on Tuesday Evenings from 6:15pm for Junior training and 7:15pm for adult speed training sessions. The Club's adult road runners meet at the Leisure Centre in Broadstone, Dorset. on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7pm.

See also

The Club's website is www.pooleac.co.uk
Dorset County Athletics website www.dorset-athletics.freeserve.co.uk
Hants Road Race League website www.hrrl.org.uk/