HISTORY
Summary
Established April 14 1897
timeline
1897
Organised athletics began in Essendon in 1897 with the formation of the Essendon Harriers on the 14th of April. Essendon Harriers quickly developed into one of the strongest clubs, winning Victorian Championships most years. Two of the greatest Australian champions of the first decade of the 20th century were Essendon athletes Greg ‘Dad’ Wheatley and Alex Stillwell. Wheatley became the club’s first Olympian competing in Athens in 1906.
1914
On the 11th of July 2014, all athletics and cross country fixtures were abandoned due to the growing impact of World War I. By 1916, 37 of the club’s members had enlisted.
1927
From 1927 the club became a section of the Essendon Club, training at Windy Hill with cricketers and footballers for 41 years.
1972
The Essendon Amateur Athletic Centre was opened in 1972 with the official opening being delayed until Sunday January 21 1973. This was the first time in the club’s history that it had a dedicated athletics track as its training ground.
1978
On Monday August 21 members of Essendon A. A. C and East Melbourne Harriers (established 1895) met to finalise the details of the amalgamation of the two clubs. The club competed under the name Essendon-E.M.H. for the next 15 years.
1993
Essendon-E.M.H. and Essendon-Aberfeldie amalgamated in 1993 to create Athletics Essendon.
