Founded in 2010, Mallusk Harriers is a welcoming athletics club based in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland.
We provide coaching and opportunities for senior and junior athletes across road running, cross country, trail running, track and field. Our membership includes recreational runners, developing athletes and experienced competitors, all connected by a shared enthusiasm for athletics and personal progress.
Whatever your starting point or ambition, Mallusk Harriers offers a place to grow in confidence, improve your ability and enjoy being part of a supportive local club.
We welcome runners of all ages, abilities and ambitions.
Whether you’re taking your very first steps into running, returning after a break, looking to improve your fitness, or striving to achieve new personal bests, you’ll find a supportive and encouraging environment at Mallusk Harriers.
For those new to the sport, we proudly deliver Run Newtownabbey, our popular Couch to 5K programme designed to help beginners build confidence, fitness and a lifelong enjoyment of running. Many of our current members started their running journey through the programme and have gone on to complete 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, marathons and beyond.
Our experienced Athletics NI Certified coaches provide structured training sessions throughout the week, supporting runners at every stage of their development. Whether your goal is to improve your wellbeing, train alongside like-minded people, prepare for a personal challenge, or compete in local, national or masters competitions, we can help you progress at a pace that suits your ability and aspirations.
Beyond our regular training sessions, members enjoy being part of an active and welcoming running community. Throughout the year, we organise club races, social runs, championships, volunteer opportunities and club events that bring runners together both on and off the road. Whether you’re chasing a marathon qualification, taking part in your first parkrun, supporting fellow club members or simply enjoying the camaraderie of training with friends.
At Mallusk Harriers, we believe running is about more than results. It’s about friendship, community, personal growth and enjoying the journey. From recreational runners to championship medallists, every runner has a place in our club.
Recreational or competitive, every runner has a place.
Our junior section welcomes young athletes of all abilities, interests and ambitions.
Whether your child is taking their first steps into athletics, looking to make new friends, build confidence, improve their fitness or pursue their competitive goals, they’ll find a fun, supportive and encouraging environment at Mallusk Harriers.
From learning fundamental movement skills and developing a love of sport, to competing at local, provincial and national championships, our qualified coaches provide age-appropriate training that helps every athlete reach their potential.
Many of our junior members begin simply to enjoy being active and discover a passion for running, jumping and throwing that stays with them for life. Our structured training sessions focus on developing athletic skills, teamwork, resilience and confidence, while creating opportunities for young athletes to participate in cross country, road running, track and field events.
Whether an athlete wants to train for fun, represent their school, or wear the Mallusk Harriers vest in competition, we provide a pathway to support their goals.
As a Clubmark-accredited club affiliated with Athletics Northern Ireland and UK Athletics, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment where every young person can thrive and enjoy the benefits of sport.
At Mallusk Harriers, we believe athletics is about more than medals and results. From beginners discovering their love of sport to athletes competing at the highest levels, every young athlete has a place in our club.
From first strides to future stars, every young athlete has a place at Mallusk Harriers.
A Clubmark organisation
Mallusk Harriers achieved Clubmark NI accreditation in 2021, recognising the club’s commitment to providing a quality, safe and well-governed environment for athletes. The accreditation process considered how the club was governed, how members were supported and how standards were maintained. It also recognised the club’s contribution to the community and helped identify opportunities for continued improvement.
For athletes, parents and guardians, the Clubmark achievement demonstrates our commitment to:
Our affiliation
Athletics Northern Ireland
Mallusk Harriers is affiliated with Athletics Northern Ireland, the governing body for athletics in Northern Ireland. The club’s constitution expressly confirms this affiliation.
Affiliation helps connect our members with the wider sport and supports access to recognised athletics competitions, athlete registration and the standards expected of an affiliated club. The club’s member information also identifies Athletics NI registration, qualified coaches and insured coaching provision as membership benefits.
Our community connections
Mallusk Harriers is proud to have strong connections with local sporting, charitable and community initiatives.
Our existing relationships include:
- Valley parkrun, which provides an accessible and sociable opportunity for members to run or volunteer locally
- Brown Shoes Triathlon Club, with which the club has maintained links for members interested in progressing into triathlon
Athlete development
We want every athlete to have the opportunity to progress in a way that suits their age, ability and goals.
For senior members, this may mean improving fitness, enjoying regular group training, working towards a personal best or representing the club in competition.
Our junior development approach focuses on strong movement foundations, running, jumping, throwing, agility, endurance and confidence. Young athletes are introduced to progressive challenges suited to their stage of development. Across the club, development is not measured by finishing position alone. We value courage, effort, resilience, teamwork and personal achievement.
Safeguarding and wellbeing
The safety and wellbeing of our members are central to the way the club operates.
Our safeguarding arrangements are supported by club policies, codes of conduct and training guidelines for coaches, volunteers, junior members, parents and guardians. Junior activities are planned with appropriate supervision and clear responsibilities for those involved.
Key safeguarding documents, codes of conduct and contact information can be accessed below and through the Resources section in the website footer.
A volunteer-led club
Mallusk Harriers is a constituted club managed and supported by volunteers. Our committee, coaches, officials, team managers and other volunteers contribute their time and experience to help the club operate and develop.
Volunteering also gives members an opportunity to share their knowledge, learn new skills and help shape the club’s future.
Moving forward together
Mallusk Harriers continues to support grassroots athletics, athlete development, volunteering and participation within Newtownabbey and the wider athletics community. We are proud of what our members have built and remain committed to being a club where people can:
Belong. Develop. Achieve.
Whether you are an aspiring athlete, an experienced competitor, a recreational runner, a parent or someone interested in volunteering, there is a place for you at Mallusk Harriers.