Eastern Athletics Association

the HISTORY OF Eastern athletic association

Origins of the Association (1933 – 1955)

The Eastern Athletic Association traces its roots back to 23rd September 1933, when the Eastern Counties Cross Country Association was formed.

In 1935 the Association joined the English Cross Country Union (ECCU), becoming one of the four regional bodies: East, Midlands, North and South. That same year, it was proposed that the East Anglian Flag be used on championship medals – an early sign of the regional identity and pride.

By 1955, the East staged its first National Championships at Cardington, Bedford, with L.F.Edwards of Newmarket & Mildenhall AC serving as President.

Golden Anniversary (1983)

To mark the Association’s Golden Anniversary in 1983, a commemorative dinner was held at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, celebrating fifty years of Eastern Counties cross country heritage.

Two special keepsakes were produced for the occasion: a silver 50th Anniversary letter opener featuring the Association’s enamelled crest and an ornate enamel medal carrying the traditional Eastern Counties shield both marking the dates 1933–1983. Together, these pieces reflect half a century of organising championships, developing athletes, supporting clubs and sustaining the volunteer spirit that shaped the region’s athletic identity. They stand as tangible reminders of the pride, heritage and community built over those first fifty years.

Restructuring of Cross-Country Governance (1992)

A major shift occurred in 1992, when the ECCU merged with the Women’s Cross Country and Road Running Association to form the English Cross Country Association (ECCA). The new structure consisted of three regions: North, Midlands, and South — leaving the East without a designated region.

To protect the standing of Eastern athletes and competitions, discussions were held with the South of England Athletic Association. These talks resulted in several key agreements:

  1. Eastern Counties Men’s Championships to remain recognised as a championship of standing, with eligibility for the English National maintained.
  2. Hosting rights for the National Cross-Country Championships to rotate, with the East invited to stage the event every fourth year.
  3. Permits for Eastern-area cross country events would be issued by the ECCA Secretary, and when the East hosted the Men’s National, the Championship President would be nominated from the Eastern Association.
  4. Representation: Eastern CCCA retained three seats on the SEAA CCMC.
  5. Inter-Area competitions: Eastern CCCA teams to continue to be invited to any Inter-Area men’s competitions.

Lincolnshire remained unresolved at the time, being under the North of England AA.

Formation of the Eastern Athletic Association (1992)

On 3rd November 1992, an extraordinary General Meeting approved the merger of:

  • The Eastern Counties Track & Field Committee
  • The Eastern Counties Cross Country Association

This created the Eastern Athletic Association (EAA) – the unified governing body still operating today.

Future Vision for the EAA (2026)

The 2026 Future Vision marks a new chapter for the Eastern Athletic Association — a commitment to modernising how we support athletes, clubs, officials, and competitions across the region. It outlines the priorities shaping our next decade, from strengthening development pathways to delivering events that reflect the needs of today’s athletics community.