Whilst the club was officially founded in 1908, the earliest record dates from 20 December 1907, where a handful of runners competed in a 5-mile handicap race around Sutton and Skegby. The fastest time was recorded as W. (William) Dove in 30 minutes and 4 seconds. Indeed, William Dove was the founder of the club.

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The club established itself during 1908, beating many other clubs, like Notts Harriers, in cross-country challenge events. On 19 Dec 1908 the Sutton to Southwell 15 ¾ mile road race was hosted by the club, with the top 3 being Harriers and John Cobb winning in a time of 1hour 35 minutes. 

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In 1910, Sutton Harriers affiliated to the Northern Counties and become Sutton Harriers and Cycling Club, and chose its club vest as red and green with 3-inch hoops.

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The club established many victories and outstanding performances, regularly featuring in the local press, as well as holding annual dinners and AGMs.

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It is known that the club regularly met at the Blue Bell Pub to start and end its training runs.

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Following the First World War, the club re-established itself quickly, with the press reporting that C. Sinfield from the club won the Midland Cross Country Championships on 12 December 1922.

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The club’s outstanding member of those early years was Cyril Ellis. He represented Great Britain in the 1924 and 1928 Olympics, as well as competing for the British Empire in the 4 × 1-mile relay, leading the team to victory. He held the Irish 1-mile record and the world 1000yrds world record, and was the winner of numerous National, Midland and County titles.

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Tom Slaney and Sam Spencer just missed selection for the Olympic team in 1928.

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As a team the club regularly featured in the top Midland teams, winning the Midland team cross country team title in 1919 as well as top 2 individual places leaving Derby, Birchfield, Notts and many other teams behind. 

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There were many other members who achieved County and Midland successes over cross-country, track, and road events, across sprints to long distances. A handful had success at national and international level. The club was rich in talent and success and was well known nationally, however it was reported in 1923 that its financial position was “not at all sound”.

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          More to come.......