Club History

"History of Club 1921-1962" by A.A. Gainsford
Annual Awards & Trophies

St George District Athletic Club was founded in Hurstville on 7 March 1921 as St George District Amateur Athletic Club. In 1992 it was incorporated with Athletics NSW and changed it's name to the more appropriate "St George District Athletic Club, Inc". The Club is one of the oldest athletics clubs in NSW, and celebrated its 85th Birthday in 2006.

Photos taken at Scarborough Park, 2009

Significant landmarks in the history of St George District Athletic Club include:

• The first race was conducted on 2 April 1921 over a 2.5 mile scratch road race course in wet conditions along Forest Road from Hurstville Post Office to Willison Road (Carlton) and return. The winner was Alleyn Gainsford in a time of 15 minutes.
• The first track race on Hurstville Oval was a Mile Handicap race held on 13 May 1921. The winner was Ernest Austen (40 yards handicap) in a time of 5 minutes 10 seconds.
• During 1922 the Club singlet was designed and has not since been changed.
• During 1923 the Club assisted Hurstville Council to get electric lighting installed at Hurstville Oval. The grass track at Hurstville Oval was used by both St George Cycling Club and our Club for races.
• On 27 August 1927 the Club promoted the first Australian and NSW Marathon, starting from Barrack Street (Sydney) and finishing at Sydney Cricket Ground. Entries were received from every Australian State and also New Zealand. The race was won by Roy McMurdo of Queensland in a time of 3:06:23.
• The 1928 distance season was dominated by St George. The Club won all four teams titles and three of the four individual championships setting numerous Club, State and Australian records along the way.
• 1931 saw St George athletes win State Track titles for the first time.
• The 50th Anniversary of the Club was celebrated by a 50 mile scratch track race held on Hurstville Oval on 21 March 1971. This was the first event of its kind in Australia. Of the 30 Club athletes who started, Dave Edwards won in a time of 6:29:41 with John Bowers 2nd in 7:00:23. There were no other finishers.

Photos taken at Scarborough Park, 2009

St George DAC is active throughout the year and caters for all athletes in every facet of athletics. Whether novice or champion, everyone is welcome at our friendly club that has seen several athletes rise to the Olympic platform over the years. One notable member is our current President, Albie Thomas, who represented Australia at three Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games.

Set amongst the beautiful bush surroundings at Scarborough Park, Hawthorne Street, Ramsgate cross country athletes enjoy healthy competition and camaraderie on Saturday afternoons during the winter cross country season. The relaxed and happy atmosphere draws members back year after year and social activities include afternoon tea at the conclusion of competition each week, regular dinners at local supporting Clubs and the Sunday and Christmas Mile runs hosted by Albie and Nola Thomas.

During the summer season our track and field athletes can be seen competing at the Sydney International Athletics Centre (Homebush), The Crest (Bankstown) and other venues, as well as travelling interstate to compete in national competitions. Successes in all events are achieved and enjoyed along the way, and financial assistance for qualifying athletes may be available.

St George is a happy club, proud of its athletes, coaches and administrators.

   
Photos taken at 2007 NSW Novice Championships - Scarborough Park, Ramsgate