Est. 1879
History of the Club
A comprehensive history of the Coventry Godiva Harriers, drawn from the research of club historian Colin Kirkham and spanning over 140 years of athletics in Coventry.
Origins — 1879
When the Godiva Harriers was formed in 1879, there were many athletic events in the summer months, usually forming part of a village fete or a philanthropic event. The winter activity consisted of Hare and Hound Chases. A chase consisted of two designated runners (the 'hares') who set off with a shoulder bag full of shredded paper and laid a trail across the country for the rest of the athletes (the 'hounds') to follow — in other words, a working-class mimic of a fox hunt. The club's early headquarters was the Hen and Chickens Hotel, from which members would set off on runs across Stivichall Common, through Canley, over Whitley Common and out towards Brandon and Berkswell.
The Early Years — Training and Social Life
By the mid-1880s, national legislation on social reform meant most workers were obliged to work only five and a half days a week. This gave rise to Saturday afternoon athletics and, crucially for Godiva, Wednesday afternoon training sessions for the many shop workers and tradespeople who made up the club's membership. The social side of the club was of paramount importance to its continued growth. Annual club balls were held at St Mary's Hall, attended by the Mayor and city councillors, and formal dinners at the Hen and Chickens were a regular fixture. After a typical run to Berkswell or Brandon, 30 members would sit down to a 'capital spread' at a local inn, with toasts to the club, visiting clubs, and the host and hostess lasting well into the evening.
J.E. Hickman and Early Championship Success
The dominant figure of the club's early decades was J.E. Hickman, whose performances at handicap meetings across the Midlands brought both prize money and prestige to the club. At the 1884 Midland Cross Country Championships at Four Oaks Park, Hickman led Godiva to a team bronze, finishing third individually in conditions described as 'the most unfavourable day for outdoor athletic sports that could be imagined.' By December of that year, the Daily Mail's athletics correspondent 'Robin Goodfellow' wrote: 'The Coventry Godiva have had a pack racing some weeks back that would go well with Moseley and Birchfield in their best days, and they evidently mean to make a bold bid for both the National and the Midland Championships. They deserve success, for they have worked hard for it.' Hickman went on to win the 10-mile Championship of England at Aston Lower Ground, taking the gold medal in 55 minutes 34 seconds.
Why Godiva Survived
In Coventry, there were many harrier clubs, usually based at a pub. Most had only a brief existence. Godiva survived when all others failed. Three reasons can be identified: the original members came from a varied and diverse social background; the driving force of William Cleverley, who directed activities away from pack running into handicap races and championship competition; and the involvement of more than one member of the same family — the Cleverleys, Smalleys, Athersuchs, Troops and Ashbys set the trend which gave the club a backbone. By the mid-1880s the club had 169 active members and 80 honorary members, with an average of 15 runners turning out on each of the 25 run-outs held each season. Nearly £300 worth of prizes had been won in a single year.
The Bettmann Era
In the early 1900s, local industrialist Siegfried Bettmann, founder of the Triumph Bicycle and Motor Car Company, came to the rescue of the club's finances, offering monetary help which put the club on a firmer financial footing. The Bettmann Cup — still contested today — commemorates his contribution. After the Great War, a cycling section was formed which lasted until the N.C.U. decided to allow professional and semi-professional racing in the 1950s, necessitating a separation of the two sports in Coventry.
Post-War Success
By the 1930s, Godiva was beginning to win Midland Championships at junior level. The newly formed ladies section paralleled the men's success. It was not until the post-Second World War era that the foundation of unprecedented success at national level was laid. Achievements on the road and country came to fruition in the 1960s and 1970s. Both club teams and individuals were a dominant force for more than a decade, with men and women lifting individual and team titles. Basil Heatley set a world marathon best in 1963, and Dave Moorcroft electrified the athletics world in 1982 with a world record of 13:00.41 for 5,000 metres in Oslo.
The Coventry City Track — 1984
Until Coventry Godiva Harriers moved to its present headquarters at the Coventry Track in Canley in 1984, the club had led a nomadic existence, competing at various venues across the city including the Butts and the Coventry Cricket Ground. The all-weather track was built after strenuous efforts by club members to raise the considerable funds required. Situated in acres of excellent playing fields on the edge of the Warwickshire countryside, the facility is widely regarded as one of the finest in the country. With the club's coaching staff, all track and field events are catered for in first-class surroundings.
Historical research by club historian Colin Kirkham. Additional sources: Coventry Times, Sporting Chronicle, Daily Mail archives.