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Alf Shrubb with trophies won

Still running after 144 years!

Historic cross country challenge in memory of Alf Shrubb and James Gibb

South London Harriers (SLH) is one of the oldest running clubs in the UK, founded at the Vivian Hotel, Peckham Rye on 27th December 1871 by the flamboyant Ernest E Smith. A wonderfully detailed history of the club exists on their website here

Alf Shrubb (1879-1964) – pictured above – was SLH's most prolific world record holder, setting 28 world record times at 17 different distances from 2,000 yards to one hour run, between 1902 and 1904. He was also twice International Cross Country champion; four times English National XC champion and AAA National champion at 10 miles and four miles for four consecutive years. He was inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009. 

The club's annual five-mile cross country is SLH's longest running event, first held in 1878, and is now run as the Alf Shrubb – Gibb Cup XC with the latest race completed on Saturday (22nd October) on the classic Farthing Downs/Happy Valley course in Coulsdon, Surrey. 

James Gibb was an early club member and AAA champion at four miles in 1875, 1877, and 1878. He donated the “Gibb Cup" for the club’s five-mile cross-country championship, which is a members’ only race incorporated into the open event. 

In perfect conditions, the stage was set for the latest chapter in this long-running story. The majority of the small field of 35 athletes were members of SLH, with a few representatives from Herne Hill Harriers, Hercules Wimbledon AC, Sutton Striders, Lingfield Running Club, and Haywards Heath Harriers.

Ultra-marathon GB international Ollie Garrod (SLH, 27:59) was a comfortable winner overall and of the Gibb Cup for 2022. The first woman was W45 Mary James (SLH, 33:33) who was also the first female veteran.

Unique touches at this historic race include a replica of the medal won by Alf Shrubb for breaking the three-mile world record in 1902 for all finishers and a prize for the best Alf Shrubb lookalike. More conventional extras include cash prizes, hot showers, tea and cakes, and a licensed bar. 

Link to results at runABC South race listing here

With thanks to South London Harriers on Facebook for the photo of Alf Shrubb

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