Athletes from all over the world will make the journey to Parliament Hill athletics track this Saturday (18 May) for the UK 10,000m Championships as part of the Highgate Harriers’ annual ‘Night of the 10,000m PB’s’.
This year, the final men’s and women’s races will include the UK trials for the Paris Olympic selection, and international athletes will also be chasing Olympic qualifying times.
It comes after a multimillion-pound upgrade to the facility was made by the Corporation, which owns and manages Hampstead Heath as a registered charity.
The not-for-profit event – which is free to attend and open to everyone – will see elite runners from across the globe competing alongside some of Great Britain’s best at one of the country’s top athletics venues.
The racing will start from 2.30pm, closing with a medal ceremony at 10pm. Spectators can watch from on the track itself or on the grass infield where there will also be free children’s activities and entertainment between races.
Chair of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, William Upton KC, said:
“We are proud to host some of the UK’s and world’s best athletes here on London’s most iconic open space.
“I encourage anyone to come along and cheer on the incredible array of international sporting talent that will be participating this year.
“Our recent investment to the track has made this all possible, and helps to inspire the next generation of young athletes to follow their dreams.”
Ben Pochee, Event Director for The Night of 10,000m PB’s, added:
“Highgate Harriers’ volunteer-powered event offers the unique opportunity to get up close and personal to the fastest runners on the planet.
“I’m very proud how our club and community have grown this initiative, from local event to international beacon destination in ten short years.
“We are hugely grateful to the City Corporation for investing in Parliament Hill track long term, with their recent £2 million refurbishment – without which the 2024 event simply could not proceed.
“And we’re appreciative of our partnership with Swiss sports brand, On, who are our title sponsor as part of their global athletics event series, On Track Nights.”
The Corporation recently invested over £2m into upgrading the facility. The improvements, which included resurfacing the track and runways for field events, and installing new energy-efficient floodlights, will ensure the site remains a key venue for local, national, and international athletics events, and retains its prestigious UK Athletics Trackmark accreditation.
The track was officially re-opened by the Lord Mayor, Michael Mainelli at a special ceremony on Wednesday 17 April 2024 and is used by several running clubs and schools from across north and central London throughout the year.
The City Corporation protects over 11,000 acres of open space across London and southeast England – including Epping Forest and Burnham Beeches – and over 180 smaller sites in the Square Mile, investing over £38m a year.
These green spaces, most of which are charitable trusts, are run at little or no cost to the communities that they serve. They include important wildlife habitats, Special Areas of Conservation, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and National Nature Reserves. They are protected from being built on by special legislation.
Notes to editors
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK – .
More information about the Night of the 10K PBs – www.nightofthe10kpbs.com.
Photo credit: Ollie Saville – picture shows Jess Judd winning the 2022 Night of the 10,000m PBs
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