MGS began its first organised running efforts with the foundation of the Harriers Club in 1889, under High Master Glazebrook. There is a report in December 1889’s Ulula recording the details of that first, ‘…desperate game’. The Harriers ran successfully well into the 20th century, greatly helped along by the Old Mancunians Association Harriers Section. Indeed it was in a report on the Harriers that Gatley gets its first mention in Ulula, in 1906: ‘A long course of about 8 miles through some beautiful country had been worked out in the direction of Gatley and Cheadle, finally coming back by Didsbury’.
It was under the stewardship of JL Paton (1903-1924) that cross country running in its own right really took off. Paton felt very strongly that the playing fields should be utilised as another means by which to encourage collaboration and teamwork in addition to the treks and camps which were also developing in the early years of the 20th century. Although many races were still run in the form of hares being pursued by packs, more conventional races became commonplace and, indeed, the School competed well against nearby schools and the Manchester Harriers and Athletics Club (itself founded in 1886).
Despite encouraging beginnings, it wasn’t until the late 1940s that cross-country running really began to enjoy its halcyon days, helped in large part by the enthusiasm of Maurice Poole. Prior to the move to Rusholme, the Steeplechase was run over Kersal Moor and Drinkwater Park, but after the move from Long Millgate a new venue was needed and the ‘Gatley’ was born. Gatley was the home of the aforementioned Manchester Harriers and Athletics Club, and it is likely that the convenience of the Club and its changing facilities were the reason for the School choosing it as its base.
The Cross Country-Club gained its first entry in its own right in Ulula in 1947, as opposed to falling under the banner of the Harriers. This entry notes that ‘Since the reorganisation of the club, three years ago, we have had considerable success’. The races were held at the end of each Lent Term and in actual fact were held at Gatley itself for a relatively short time. By 1955 building and development programmes were increasingly encroaching on the course and in 1958 Ulula records that, ‘Owing to the limited changing accommodation at Gatley, home matches may have to be held at School in the future and plans are being made to devise a School course’. Poole duly devised the new course on School grounds which at least allowed spectators to view the majority of the race, unlike before.
Despite the relatively short history of ‘The Gatley’, and its subsequent change of location, it is perhaps due to the lasting influence of Maurice Poole and his dedication to cross-country running that the name has stuck. The Gatley is held in varying degrees of regard by Old Mancunians but it is certainly remembered, which surely says much of its influence.
Mary Ann Davison
Winner of the Steeplechase, 1928
Gatley race, 1993
Gatley race, late 1940s
I'm pretty sure the 1990s photo is 1993, based on the fact that I'm running, but haven't yet invested in a pair of proper running shoes.