On October 15th 1921, Arthur E Williams founded Port Talbot Harriers AC. 100 years later, the club celebrates its centurion year and all of its achievements. With over 400 members representing the club, the club has grown exponentially since its foundation, competing in Cross Country, Triathlons and Ultra Running. To celebrate, here is a look back of history as well as looking forward to the next 100 years.
An Introduction By John Davies
Arthur Williams (AEW) and David Richards (DJP) were two of the founding members of Port Talbot YMCA Harriers in October 1921. DJP was an outstanding athlete but work took him to Newport soon after. AEW was secretary of the club from 1922 to 1944 and continued to serve the club as president until his death in 1983 at the age of 90. He was also president of Welsh Athletics for an unprecedented seventeen years. The club’s star athlete during the 1930s was Welsh Marathon record holder Isaac O’Brien.
The club was based at the local YMCA until 1961. AEW was dissatisfied with the YMCAs management who were allocating facilities to other societies which had been promised to the harriers. YMCA was dropped from the club’s name which then became Port Talbot Harriers and Athletic Club. They lost the use of the YMCA, but were then based at a local school. PTH competed at track and field as well as road and cross country running. AEW struggled for many years to persuade the council to build a running track. He finally succeeded in 1967 when a 400m cinder running track was laid in the playing fields at Seaway Parade. It was formally opened in 1968. The senior men were very successful in the 1960s and 1970s. This was largely due to the five O’Brien brothers – the sons of Isaac O’Brien. Jim O’Brien was prominent during this period as was his good friend Dillwyn Robins. They dominated the local road and cross-country scene and Dil was Welsh I mile track champion in 1961.
During the 1970s and 1980s the club had a thriving junior section which produced many Welsh and schools champions. Sian Morris went on to run for GB and Julie Tayler was British Junior Women Javelin Champion. In 1989 there was discontent amongst the committee who attempted to disband the club. A concerted effort by the senior men defeated a motion to break up the club, which then continued with no junior and ladies sections and with no home to call their own.
In 2013 a ‘Have Fun and Run’ campaign initiated by chairman Bernie Henderson was successful in boosting club membership. A permanent home was secured for the harriers when Port Talbot Cricket Club allowed the use of a portacabin on their grounds.
2018 saw the introduction of a multisport section specializing in triathlon. Later in 2018 the first purpose-built clubhouse for Port Talbot Harriers was opened in the grounds of the cricket club.
Here are some interviews with our club’s legends, sharing their experiences, stories, and passion for all things Port Talbot Harriers
In Conversation with Alan Perkins
As part of our centenary celebrations, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing several key figures from the club’s rich history. The first is Alan Perkins, a stalwart of Port Talbot Harriers who has dedicated decades to the club. Alan has held numerous roles, including Cross Country Manager and Coach, leaving an enduring legacy of commitment and passion.
In Conversation with Bernie Henderson
As we continue our celebrations of the centenary year, the next person to be interviewed is the one and only Bernie Henderson. Bernie, who served as Chairperson of Port Talbot Harriers & Athletic Club from 2011 to 2023, played a pivotal role in taking the club to new heights and guiding it through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In Conversation with Derek Moss
Continuing our centenary celebrations, we turn our focus to Derek Moss, a true cornerstone of Port Talbot Harriers & Athletic Club. Derek has been a dedicated member since the 1960s and also served as Chairperson during that decade. His unwavering commitment and contributions over the years have played an integral part in shaping the club’s legacy and inspiring generations of athletes.
In Conversation with John Davies
As we continue to celebrate the centenary of Port Talbot Harriers, we shine the spotlight on John, a dedicated member of the club for over 40 years having joined the club in 1967. Throughout his time with the Harriers, John has taken on numerous roles, including Treasurer, Co-Founder of the Club Championships, and Team Manager, to name just a few. John currently serves as Club President, Club Historian, and an official timekeeper with Welsh Athletics.
John also wrote and published 100 Years of Port Talbot Harriers, 1921–2021, a comprehensive history of the club, which you can buy today. His incredible contributions and commitment have left an indelible mark on the club’s legacy.
In Conversation With John, Bernie and Alan
In a captivating 40-minute conversation, John Davies, Bernie Henderson, and Alan Perkins came together to reflect on their incredible running journeys. They shared stories about where and when they ran their first marathons, the challenges of the track and field scene, and the support from crowded areas that gave them the strength to push through. Their experiences are a testament to the resilience and passion that define Port Talbot Harriers & AC.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Long May it Continue
Now, in 2025, from its humble beginnings in 1921 to the thriving and inclusive club it is today, Port Talbot Harriers & AC has endured challenges, celebrated triumphs, and remained a cornerstone of the local running and multisport community. Generations of athletes have passed through its ranks, each contributing to the club’s rich legacy and ensuring its continued success.
Today, the club welcomes over 400 members each year, offering excellent training sessions led by our dedicated coaches, who continue to inspire and develop runners and multisport athletes of all abilities. With a permanent home, a growing membership, and an ever-expanding range of opportunities, the future of Port Talbot Harriers is as bright as ever. The club’s spirit of perseverance, camaraderie, and dedication to the sport has stood the test of time—long may it continue!