Harlow AC was founded in 1963 . It was a cinder track located where Sainsbury’s is now.

Cecil Smith was the first director of coaching.

Harlow council helped with the funding of the track . The council was “committed to support the sporting needs of the community.

The cinder track was built from the ashes donated by the local people of Harlow from their fires.

The ground staff,coaches,parents and committee were also very supportive.

Minor sponsorship was provided by local businesses.

The original track was developed from cinder to All weather.

This included changing the high jump and pole vault areas from sandpit landing areas to mats. Also throws safety cages were introduced.

An annual international selection race was held for marathon runners. This was developed by Tom Brady.

The old arena was a venue for Essex schools and Essex club championships.

There was a unique sharing of the arena with Harlow FC.

Harlow was a very successful club with an outstanding depth of talent.

County and National level competitions were held by the club. Some competitors still hold club records although many are historic due to changes in implement specifications and hurdle rule changes.

The club has had county champions, regional champions, English schools champions, international medalists , Olympians and para Olympians.

Although a much smaller club now we have managed to produce several champions in the last few years including an English Schools champion and International medalist, a European U23 gold medalist, a medal winning , world ranked wheelchair athlete, a special Olympic medalist, some regional champions and many county champions.

The track relocated  to its present position next to Mark Hall School.