From a village notice-board advertisement to one of West Yorkshire’s most beloved running communities — forty years of miles, friendship and camaraderie.
Est. 1985 • 40th Anniversary 2025
Chapter One
The Origins — A Half Marathon Sows the Seed
The story of Ackworth Road Runners begins not in 1985, but in the summer of 1982, when a committee was formed to organise the first Ackworth Half Marathon, held in March 1983. This was the era of the great running boom, and the event was conceived by the late Dr Jean Wharton, a Consultant at Pontefract General Infirmary, with the sole purpose of raising funds for the village’s Parish Churches.
The first half marathon proved a remarkable success, drawing an entry of 598 runners — 70 of whom lived in the village itself. Among the committee organising it was Colin Tanswell, a competitive road runner for nearly thirty years who had lived in Ackworth since 1978. Seeing such enthusiasm on his doorstep, Colin began to wonder whether there was sufficient interest to form a local running club. The nearest established clubs were in Wakefield and Barnsley, some ten miles away.
He took no action until the second half marathon two years later, when he placed a simple advertisement in the race programme:
Does your interest in this event stem from being a serious, fun or potential runner?
If so, would you support the formation of a local running club?
Giving opportunity for: Meeting fellow runners who live locally.
Training with others of similar ability. Receiving advice and support.
Maybe running in races as a team member.
The response was initially disappointing — just eight contacts in the four weeks following the race. Undaunted, Colin circulated details to all known local half marathon entrants and put up notices around the village. The local press were not interested in providing free publicity. But Colin pressed on.
Chapter Two
The Founding Night — 26 June 1985
A meeting was called for 8:00 pm on Wednesday, 26 June 1985 at the Mason’s Arms in Ackworth. Word was spread through leaflets, adverts and personal contact.
“The meeting was attended by 28 interested persons, six of whom were ladies, representing a whole range of experience and running ability. There was real enthusiasm for gaining the benefits of the membership of a running club close to home.”
Stewart Haigh — Club Treasurer & Founder Member
Many views were expressed about what the club should provide and how it should be organised. Much emphasis was placed on the importance of establishing a base from which to operate. The decision was made to hold two social runs to get to know one another. The first, held on Sunday 30 June 1985, was “anything but social as individuals set out to show off their ability.” The second, two days later, was a more sedate affair, supported by 26 runners. A third followed a few days later, attended by 19. Ackworth Road Runners was up and running.
In the Winter of 1985, Colin predicted: “If we could survive until the Spring, we could claim to be established.” They not only survived — they thrived.
“Without the initiative of the late Doctor Jean Wharton, in instigating the Ackworth Half Marathon, we might not be where we are today.”
Colin Tanswell — Club President & Founder Member
Chapter Three
The Founding Members
Those who attended the historic meeting on 26 June 1985 were:
* Those marked became members of the club.
The following also joined the club in the period up to 31 August 1986 and are considered founder members:
Chapter Four
People Who Shaped the Club
Colin Tanswell
Club President & Founder
The driving force behind the club’s creation, Colin was a competitive road runner for nearly 35 years. Having lived in Ackworth since 1978, he saw the potential for a local club after the 1983 Half Marathon and organised the founding meeting in June 1985. He ran his last race in the New Year Handicap in 1992.
Stewart Haigh
Club Chair & Founder Treasurer
A founding member who saw the notice about the meeting and attended with near-neighbour Brian Dodd. Stewart served as Club Treasurer for many years and has been integral to the club’s organisation and growth. He ran London Marathon in 1991 and achieved his sub-4 hour marathon in 2015 in Manchester.
Ken Bingley
ARR Legend & Founder Member
Quite simply a running legend. From South Kirkby, Ken held 18 club records — including a sub-42 minute 10k as a Vet65 and a 4-hour 28-minute marathon as a Vet75. He ran at Pontefract parkrun until the age of 85. He was described in The Northern Runner (1993) as “an absolute memory man for races and courses… a real gent.” The Ken Bingley Memorial 10k is held in his honour.
Betty Goodwin
Supporter & Club Icon
Betty was the heartbeat of the early club — always at the end of races with the big handbag full of car keys and track tops, recording finishing positions, cheering every runner by name, and serving behind the bar at Pontefract Cricket Club. The Betty Goodwin Trophy — awarded annually to the leading lady in the Grand Prix series — was created in her memory in 1991.
Graham Beardsley
Official Club Photographer
A professional photographer and club member, Graham has devoted countless hours to photographing ARR events and members. His striking action shots — often capturing members in mid leap — have illustrated club publications, the website and its 35th Anniversary Book. He also occasionally finds time to run.
Dr Jean Wharton
The Spark
A Consultant at Pontefract General Infirmary, the late Dr Wharton was the inspiration behind the original Ackworth Half Marathon in 1983 — the event that planted the seed for the entire club. As Colin Tanswell reflected at the club’s 35th anniversary: without her initiative, Ackworth Road Runners might never have existed.
Chapter Five
Milestones Through the Decades
1982
A committee forms to organise the first Ackworth Half Marathon, inspired by Dr Jean Wharton of Pontefract General Infirmary, to raise funds for the village Parish Churches.
March 1983
The first Ackworth Half Marathon takes place, drawing 598 runners — 70 from the village itself. Colin Tanswell begins to consider the idea of a local running club.
1985 — Second Half Marathon
Colin places an advertisement in the programme asking local runners if they would support a running club. Eight contacts reply in the following four weeks.
26 June 1985
The founding meeting is held at the Mason’s Arms, attended by 28 people. The decision is made to hold social runs and form a club. Ackworth Road Runners is born.
30 June 1985
The first club run takes place. Twenty-six runners attend the second run two days later. The club is formally established during the summer and autumn of 1985.
Up to August 1986
Thirty-five additional founder members join, bringing the early club to a solid community of runners representing all abilities from across the area.
1989
The Grand Prix series is established, providing a structured competitive league for members across multiple distances and events throughout the year.
1991
The Betty Goodwin Trophy is first presented to the leading lady in the Grand Prix competition, in memory of one of the club’s most devoted supporters.
1992
Founder Colin Tanswell runs his last race — the New Year Handicap — after a running career spanning 35 years. He retires but remains closely involved in club life as Club President.
2002
“Monte Carlo or Bust” — organised by Ken Barton, a team of ARR members drove to Monte Carlo and ran back to Ackworth over ten days, raising hundreds of pounds for three different charities.
2020 — 35th Anniversary
The club celebrates its 35th anniversary during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than pause, ARR responds with creativity: virtual Zoom quizzes, lockdown running leagues (Carnivorous, Rainbow, Top Cat and Zodiac Leagues), online fitness sessions, and the publication of its 35th Anniversary Book. Membership stands at over 300.
2025 — 40th Anniversary
Ackworth Road Runners celebrates four full decades of running, friendship and community. The club now has over 300 senior members and more than 50 junior runners, is affiliated to England Athletics, and boasts a growing team of EA-qualified coaches.
Chapter Six
The Club Today
From those 28 people in a pub on a June evening in 1985, Ackworth Road Runners has grown into one of the most active and sociable clubs in the Wakefield Metropolitan area. Based at Ackworth Cricket Club on Wakefield Road, the club trains on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and welcomes runners of all abilities — from those taking their first tentative steps to seasoned marathon runners and ultra-distance veterans.
Members participate in road, multi-terrain, trail, cross country and ultra distance events, as well as supporting local parkruns. The club organises its own signature events: the Priory 10k at Nostell, a National Trust property, and the Ken Bingley Memorial 10k, held in memory of one of the club’s most beloved members. An annual Grand Prix series and Handicap series provide competitive structure throughout the year.
The club is affiliated to England Athletics and has a growing team of EA-qualified coaches providing structured training sessions for both seniors and juniors. Membership is at record levels, and the club continues to attract new members every year.
“Value your ability to run. It may not last for ever… Also, the friendship and camaraderie that you will miss when you are no longer able to share the experience of training and racing together.”
Colin Tanswell — Club President & Founder Member
The story of Ackworth Road Runners is, above all, a story about people. It is a club that has supported members through illness, loss, personal challenge and triumph. It has helped people lose weight, run their first mile, complete their first marathon, and discover friendships that last a lifetime. From a village club whose reputation extends across West Yorkshire and well beyond, to a community that rallied together during a global pandemic — the spirit of that first run on a Sunday morning in June 1985 is alive and well.
