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The League has not always been just about cross country as, in May 1937, they involved themselves in an "athletic contest" against the Warwickshire A.A.A.'s. The fixture was held in Dudley at the Sports Centre, Birmingham Rd. The proceeds from the promotion were in aid of Dudley Harriers & Athletic Club.

The Peace family were heavily involved on the League's behalf with Jim Peace acting as the League's Team Manager and F (Fred or Frank ?) Peace the Chief Recorder.

The contest involved the following disciplines - 100 Yards, 220 Yards, 440 Yards, 880 Yards, 1 Mile, 2 Miles Walk & a 3 Miles.

It is not clear just how many competitors were allowed in each event. The scoring was based on position with 6 points for 1st, 5 for 2nd etc down to 1 for 6th. We might reasonably take a guess that it was simply "three a side". The League competitors were to wear "Blue". It is interesting to note that for the purposes of the contest Sparkhill & Small Heath Harriers were not included in the Warwickshire A.A.A.. It is interesting to see the clubs listed as affiliated to the League at this time and, possibly more so, those that were not!

In addition to the match there appears to have been a record attempt on the Women's British 1 Mile by Miss Gladys Lunn. The existing time was listed as 5m 25s.

For full details of the programme from the promotion please click on the following image.

BDXCL Coronation Sports 1937 300 DPI 0001 Edited

We do not yet know the athletes who competed, the individual race results or the outcome of the contest. There are some scores pencilled in along some of the events but it is incomplete. If anyone has details please let us know via  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The above programme comes from a private collection and we are grateful for the owner giving us access to scan and bring to a wider audience.