ALUMNI
Welcome to the Wakefield Harriers Alumni Page—a page to celebrate the legacy, achievements, and lasting connections of our past members. Whether you competed on the track, tackled cross-country courses, or contributed to the club’s vibrant community in other ways.
Our alumni have played a vital role in shaping the club’s history, and their dedication, passion, and sportsmanship remain an inspiration for current and future generations. This page is designed to s to highlight the achievements of our past members.
Once a Harrier, always a Harrier!
NOTABLE ALUMNI
MARTYN BERNARD
Martyn Bernard was a British high jumper. He represented Great Britain in multiple international competitions, earning a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2007 European Athletics Indoor Championships. Bernard also competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics, where he reached the final with a jump of 2.29 metres. His personal bests include 2.30 metres indoors and 2.29 metres outdoors.
CHARLENE THOMAS
Charlene Thomas is a middle-distance runner who represented Great Britain in the 1500m at the World Championships and competed in various international events.
EMILY FREEMAN
Emily Freeman specialised in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. She represented Team GB in major international competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and European Championships. Freeman achieved a personal best of 22.64 seconds in the 200m and was part of the silver-medal-winning 4x100m relay team at the 2006 European Championships.
ALAN SLACK
Probably the most talented all round athlete ever seen in a Wakefield Harriers vest, winning championship medals in Yorkshire, Northern and National Championships at all distances from 50m indoors to 800m, and also in the long, high and triple jump.
In 1983 Alan gained the UK 400m title, and in 1984 was selected for the Olympic 4x400m squad in Los Angeles. He was also in the 4x400m squad for the 1986 Commonwealth games. His 400m pb of 46.03 was set at the Oslo Bislett Games in 1985.
He is the former UK U17 record holder at the Long Jump, and was the club record holder until recently with 7.52m. He still holds our club 800 metres record with 1 min 49.5.
ALAN BELL
Won championship medals in the Yorkshire and Northern Championships at 100m and 200m before moving up to the 400m. This proved to be his best distance, and he won his first international vest in 1978 against East Germany.
Alan subsequently gained many international vests at 400m, and his best year was in 1980. At the UK Championships he won the semi-final in 45.65, which then was 3rd on the UK all-time list, and remains the club record. He then finished second in the final to book his place at the Moscow Olympics. At the Olympics he reached the semi-final stage, but a stomach bug hindered his progress to the final, and meant he couldn't run in the 4x400 relay.
Alan won several championships and gained further international honours over the next couple of years before embarking on his medical career. He still holds club records at 200m with 21.36 and 400m with 45.65.
RONALD WALKER
Wakefield's first international athlete, who after gaining his first major title success in 1929 was set to dominate the local athletics scene for the next twenty years over the 4, 6 and 10 mile distances.
Gained international status in 1935 after being selected for the England team to contest "The International" in Paris. Roland was selected to represent Great Britain at the 1936 Berlin Olympics but was unfortunately not able to compete owing to an injury.
He finally retired from athletics in 1956.
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