Athletics is a group of events that includes running, jumping, throwing and walking. Its origins stretch back as far as the ancient Olympic Games of 776 BC. The format and rules of the sport as we now know it were defined in the 19th and early 20th century, over one hundred years ago.
Although athletics, in general, is a competitive sport, training to participate in events brings its own benefits in terms of fitness, sporting prowess and well-being.
Many people who take part in athletics training does so for either the pleasure it gives or to prepare them to take part in other sports such as rugby.
We welcome members of all ages from nine upwards irrespective of their ability. Our core aim is to make athletics fun but, as a competitive club, we also do our best to encourage our members to take advantage of the many competitive opportunities we provide.
Dorchester Athletic Club, as its name suggests, provides training and competition in most elements of athletics. Our range of league competition includes track and field, Quadkids, sportshall and cross country.
We currently compete in three track and field leagues, including one under the Team Dorset banner, one sportshall league and one cross-country league. Dorchester AC competes in our traditional green vests with yellow side stripe whilst the Team Dorset vest is sky blue.
Cross-country fixtures 2025-26
|
Competition |
Date |
Venue |
|
Wessex Cross-country League |
Sunday 26th October 2025 |
Learoyd Road, Canford Heath, Poole |
|
Wessex Cross-country League |
Sunday 2nd November 2025 |
Bryanston School, Blandford |
|
Wessex Cross-country League |
Sunday 30th November 2025 |
Kings Park, Bournemouth |
|
Wessex Cross-country League and Dorset County Championships |
Sunday 14th December 2025 |
Canford School |
|
Dorset Schools Championships |
To be confirmed |
To be confirmed |
|
South West Championships and inter-counties |
Saturday 3rd January 2026 |
RNAS Merryfield, Ilminster |
|
South West Schools Championships |
Saturday 7th February 2026 |
Exeter |
|
National Championships |
Saturday 21st February 2026 |
Durham |
|
National Schools Championships |
Saturday 14th March 2026 |
Sefton Park, Liverpool |