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Athletics

Athletics

Early festivals had athletic events, the smock races and throwing events

Athletics Although the church supported the village

activities, their attitude changed in some areas when excesses became evident.

Festivals reduced in number, survived mainly in more isolated areas e.g. Lake District.

Isolation determined survival also cultural e.g. Highland Games became a ritual, dress a feature, each community holding their own festival.

Athletics Dover Games not in Dover but on

Dover Hill on the edge of the Cotswolds survived but oddly the railways brought the games to an end. Many rowdy day-trippers spoilt the games, proved too much for the locals.

Expansion of Public Schools led to a change in athletics.

Hare and Hounds, cross country and steeplechase became a feature of school sport around 1840.

Athletics

Pedestrianism

Long distance walking, sometimes against the clock, always for money. Races often over several days e.g.1000 miles in 20 days or a six-day race of a given distance

Pedestrianism

Similar to the prize ring and sculling races. The lower classes could earn a good wage representing a gent.

Rational Recreation 8

Rational Recreation 9

Rational Recreation 10

1850 onwards Most cities had a running track,

athletics meetings attracted many spectators

AAC started in 1866 by ex public schoolboys and university men, a strictly amateur code

AAA started in1880

Modern Olympics 1889 established by Baron de Coubertin Athleticism, and patriotism were the key The games were male dominated and

strictly amateur