ANI celebrates launch of new North Belfast Harriers history book

This book documents the club's rich history from 1896 to 1950. 

The publication, written by local journalist, author, historian and endurance running coach Malcolm McCausland, captures the remarkable story of a club that has played a significant role in both the sporting and community life of Belfast for well over a century.

The official book launch will take place at the North Belfast Harriers clubhouse on Wednesday 13 May at 7:30pm.

North Belfast Harriers shared the following press release ahead of the launch:

“North Belfast Harriers is a large sporting and community organisation deeply engrained into and reflective of North Belfast social and sporting history.

In recent years the club and its junior, senior and master athletes have competed at the highest level at local, national and international competition. While doing this the club has also been at the forefront of promoting community wellbeing and social cohesion by introducing the first Parkrun on the island of Ireland and couch to 5k programmes, all of which encouraged local people to start and get involved with running for their overall mental and physical wellbeing.

The current club is founded on the work of its members and their families dating back to 1896.

To acknowledge the long history of the club local journalist, author, historian and endurance running coach Malcolm McCausland has written a book on our initial history, 1896 to 1950.

The book details how North Belfast Harriers born in the back room of a York Street confectioner’s shop quickly established themselves as a force in the vibrant world of cross country running. Against a backdrop of political unrest, industrial boom, and two world wars, the “Stags” carved out a proud sporting tradition in the chocolate and gold.

The book is richly detailed and filled with stories long forgotten and is both a celebration of sporting achievement and a tribute to those who kept the club alive through turbulent times.

For runners, historians and anyone interested in Belfast’s past it is an essential record of endurance, resilience and passion.

The club is having an official book launch with the author Malcolm in its clubhouse on Wednesday 13th May at 7:30.”