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From Social Runner to International Athlete
Dacorum Athletics Club
Has Something For You
New Name, New Look, Same Club
Yes, we have our new name. As of 1st October 2021, the club has officially changed its name to Dacorum Athletics Club as voted for by our members in the summer. We have a new club logo too. Although the name has changed, our identity and ethos remain unchanged. We have built a proud heritage since the club was formed 45 years ago and our aim is for that to continue in the years to come under our new name. We will have more news for you soon on things like club kit. From now members entering any events should use our new name. All the major event organisers and governing bodies have been notified of the change.
We also have a new kit store in conjunction with Scimitar. There is only a limited range at the moment, but we will be adding to this (including our new kit when the voting has completed).
Come and join us now – we’re a fun and friendly, community-based club with something for everyone from beginner to international.
Events
The summer competition season is fast approaching. Where possible we will add these to our Events Calendar on this site.
Returning to the Track Guidance
We are now back at the track training, but some restrictions are in place in line with guidance from the Government and UK Athletics. Please contact your coach if you have any questions.
Keeping Fit in the Lockdown
In these difficult times we have updated our website to offer advice on how you can maintain your physical fitness and mental wellbeing..
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
In accordance with the latest advice from England Athletics, we are very sorry to announce that all club activities including training and competitions have been suspended until the end of April. An email with further details of this decision has been sent to all members.
Please read the full advice on the England Athletics website.
We will keep you updated re further developments in the days to come.
Rob Deane
Chairman – Dacorum & Tring AC
New Members Welcome
As we return to the track we’ve seen our existing members return to training in great numbers and full of enthusiasm.
We’ve also had many new joiners who found time to exercise during lockdown and wanted to keep up the good work.
Why don’t you come and join us – we’re a fun and friendly, community-base club with something for everyone from beginner to international.
Track and Field
The backbone of Dacorum AC is its track and field section, which boasts over 300 active members, from year 5 through to master athletes in the 70+ category. There are 22 track and field coaches, of whom 4 are ex-international athletes. Children progress through the U11 and U13 groups into the development squad or into the event specific squads. However, new members can be placed accordingly and are welcome to join at any time of the year.
Our YDL team (under 17 and under 20) came 3rd in the National Final in 2023 and our EYAL team (under 12, under 15 and under 17) came 4th in the Final. We also compete in Senior and Masters leagues.
Road running
The Dacorum AC Road Runners section is open to all standards of runners (both male and female) in a safe and friendly atmosphere. We meet at the Athletics track at Jarman Park, Hemel Hempstead, every Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30pm. As we cater to a wide range of athletic abilities and aspirations (hares and tortoises), you’ll always be able to find a suitable running mate.
We train on the roads and footpaths around Hemel Hempstead and on the track, running from 2 to 8 miles each session. There are always several groups of varying speeds and abilities, from pure beginners to keen marathoners, and each group is led by England Athletics ‘Leadership in Running’ coaches.
New members from 16 years and up are always welcome, regardless of ability, and you don’t have to commit yourselves immediately; just try us out for a couple of weeks to ensure we meet with your approval!
Although competing in races is not essential, we are currently in Division 1 of the Chiltern Cross Country League, which involves five races throughout the winter months, and we also participate in local, regional and national road running events.
We are open to all members of the community, from those who just want to run for pleasure and to keep fit, to athletes who enjoy the competitive aspect of the sport and thrive on competition.
Cross Country
Dacorum AC athletes participate keenly in cross-country throughout the autumn and winter, with runners from age 10 all the way up to veterans in the V60+ category contesting the highly-competitive Chiltern League series; many youngsters also take part in the Northwest London Young Athletes (NWLL) League. The club has had considerable success at county and national level over the years, and our coaches encourage their athletes to take part, to build strength and endurance for the summer athletics season.
The five annual Chiltern League fixtures take place from October through February, and are held on Saturdays; Dacorum AC compete in Division 1, the top tier of the Chiltern League, which in itself is considered one of the top leagues in the country.
The Northwest London League, for runners between the ages of 10 and 17, also consists of five events and takes place on Saturdays.
While cross-country often involves mud, hills and adverse weather conditions, it’s also a lot of fun! The Middle Distance Squad and the Road Running section in particular incorporate cross-country into their winter training schedules and runners of all levels take part, to earn points for the team and to have a good day out
Our Coaching Inspires success
We have a strong and growing team of coaches at Dacorum. Many have international and national level experience. We are also actively developing new coaches through a combination of training and mentoring. Currently, we have 31 coaches of whom 5 are ex-internationals.
We have a strong and growing team of coaches at Dacorum. Many have international and national level experience. We are also actively developing new coaches through a combination of training and mentoring. Currently, we have 31 coaches of whom 5 are ex-internationals.
High Performance Programme
The High-Performance Programme (HPP) was launched to provide the club’s high-performing athletes with the support and guidance they require to achieve their true potential and continue their rise up the Power of 10 rankings. The hope is that one day they will be selected to represent their country at a Senior Level.
The programme applies to athletes who are first claim members of Dacorum AC and in the U15 age group (or higher) and taking part in officially recognised U15 through to Senior competitions.
Our Coaching Inspires success
We have a strong and growing team of coaches at Dacorum and Tring. Many have international and national level experience. We are also actively developing new coaches through a combination of training and mentoring. Currently, we have 31 coaches of whom 5 are ex-internationals.
Click on the button below for more detailed profiles.
GB International: 400m Hurdles 1981
Bronze medallist at National Champs: 400mH 1980
Competed for GB Vets (35-39) in World & European Champs 1995-1997
British Universities Champion 1979 & 1980
Deb KeenleysideHead Coach + 300/400 & Hurdles Coach 
English Schools 400mH Finalist 1988,
Eastern Counties Champion at 400mH 1994
Alison ParkerCoaching Assistant for Hurdles 
County Champion-100m, 60m & Long Jump,
Regional Finalist-100m,
BUCS Finalist-Triple Jump
Danni TownSprints coach 
World Indoor Masters (M40) Javelin Champion 2008,
World Masters bronze medallist 2015, founder member of Dacorum and Tring AC 1975,
Represented South Of England 1996
Trevor RatcliffeJavelin Coach 
Former Coach to England U20 Athletics Team,
Former Southern Counties Staff Coach for Middle Distance,
Dacorum Community Coach of the Year Award 2009,
Represented Surrey at Cross-Country
Mike DunphyMiddle Distance Coach ((UKA Level 4) 
Dacorum Sports Awards - Coach of the Year 2015,
GB International Pole Vaulter,
English Schools & U20 National Champion,
Ex-Wasps Rugby Player
Andy JacksonPole Valut Coach 
British Colleges medallist-LJ,
County Champion- LJ & Decathlon,
Top 30 UK ranking for LJ,
World Police and Fire Games- Volleyball silver medallist
Rob DeanRoad Running Coach 
Specialisms-Hurdles and HJ,
County Pentathlon Champion 1983,
County Netball player 1982-1988,
Qualified Gymnastics & Netball coach
Petra CarrollCoach for Years 2-7 
World Masters Silver Medallist for Marathon,
Herts Masters Champion for 5K, 10K & Half Marathon,
Pb for marathon: 2 hours 56 minutes
Celia FindlayRoad-running Coach 
County Basketball Player,
U15G & U17G Team Manager,
Carried the Olympic Torch in the 2012 Torch Relay
Cathie WoolfreySprints Coach 
Has completed 12 marathons
London Marathon best time: 2hrs 46.39
John JalesHead Coach of Road Runners 
Member of D & T road runners,
Triathlete,
Former Rugby League Player & Coach,
Member of D & T vets team
Rob WrightLong and Triple Jump Coach 
World Catholic Games 300mH Bronze medallist 2015,
4th in 300mH at Bedford International Games 2015,
County Champion 2015
Amber CarrollCoaching Assistant for Years 2-7 
PE Teacher at Chesham Preparatory School,
Coached young athletes aged 10-13 to National standard in HJ, Javelin,
Shot and Hurdles.
Charlie RowlandsJavelin Coach 
Hertfordshire Young Leaders Athletics Official,
Competes for D and T
Seb WadlowDiscus and Development Group Coach 
Bronze medallist at Eastern Champs-HJ,
Herts U15 & U17 Indoor HJ Champion,
Herts U17 HJ Champ
Ed HopperCoaching Assistant for High Jump 
County Schools Netball Player,
has run in the London Marathon,
plays for Connexions Netball Club
Lauren LeachCoaching Assistant for U13s 
County Champion,
Regional Finalist,
National Finalist,
Extra in ‘Chariots of Fire’
Gavin TownSprints Coach 
Represented Lincolnshire Schools,
UK M35 Ultra-Trail Champion,
Pb for marathon: 2 hours 47 minutes
Jamie MarlowRunning Fitness 
Herts U17 Indoor 60m Champion,
Represented D and T men’s team
Mark WhyteCoaching Assistant for u13s 
We love athletics
About Us
Dacorum AC is the oldest athletics club in the borough of Dacorum. It was formed in 1995 when Dacorum Athletic Club and Tring Athletic Club joined forced to become Dacorum & Tring Athletics Club. Prior to that, each club had been in existence as individual clubs since 1976 and 1980 respectively.
The About Us page (click the button below) has more about:
- Club history
- Records
- Buying kit
- Policies and documents
Members and Helpers
We are a large and growing club, but we can only function effectively through the efforts of our members and helpers. We have many exciting opportunities for you to become involved and learn new skills.
Instagram Gallery
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Photo Albums
Social Events
It’s not just about the training and competition. We need to enjoy the social side – whether it’s a weekly gathering after training or an annual event….
Events Calendar
There is a range of events planned both internal to the club and externally. We aim to keep the calendar below up to date with internal and relevant external events. Any date with a dot is showing at least one event on that day. Click on the day to find out more about the event(s).
Events for 1 April
Events for 2 April
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Events for 3 April
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Events for 4 April
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Events for 5 April
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Events for 6 April
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Events for 7 April
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Events for 8 April
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Events for 9 April
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Events for 10 April
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Events for 11 April
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Events for 12 April
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Events for 13 April
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Events for 14 April
All Day
EYAL Match 1 – Stevenage
Stevenage
Events for 15 April
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Events for 16 April
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Events for 17 April
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Events for 18 April
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Events for 19 April
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Events for 20 April
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Events for 21 April
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Events for 22 April
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Events for 23 April
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Events for 24 April
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Events for 25 April
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Events for 26 April
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Events for 27 April
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Events for 28 April
All Day
YDL Match 1 – Thames Valley
Thames Valley Athletics Centre
Events for 29 April
No Events
Events for 30 April
No Events
Events for 5 May
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
EYAL Match 2 – Colchester
Colchester
News and Updates
Awards Evening – 2023
Saturday 14th October 2023 – John F Kennedy School, Hollybush Lane, HP1 2PH Our annual awards night is an important event in the club calendar as
08/10/2023
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Club Christmas Party – 2023
Saturday 2nd December 2023 6.45 till late 3-course Christmas meal followed by disco Berkhamsted Golf Club Tickets £42 Get your tickets now to avoid disappointment!
08/10/2023
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4th in the EYAL final
Congratulations to our EYAL (Eastern Young Athletes League) team for coming 4th in the final. Our athletes compete in under 13, 15 and 17 sections
10/09/2023
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3rd in the Country – YDL Success
Congratulations to our YDL (under 17 and under 20) team for coming 3rd in the National Finals, having qualified by coming 2nd in the Southern Division Premier League.
03/09/2023
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English Schools Success
It was a busy couple of weekends at the national schools level with the English Schools Championships and English Schools Cup on subsequent weekends. Club
16/07/2023
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International Gold for Ellie
Ellie Bostock added to her English Schools Gold medal by taking the top spot again at the SIAB (Schools International Athletic Board) International. This event
16/07/2023
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