On Saturday, 16 November, Hampstead Heath’s Parliament Hill Fields will showcase the energy and determination of approximately 1,700 young Londoners, representing all 32 boroughs and the City of London, as they proudly compete in the London Youth Games Cross Country.

This iconic event celebrates the young Londoners, and the positive borough-wide impact of running on the young people’s wellbeing, personal development and builds social cohesion.

For many young people, from a diverse range of backgrounds, this event could be their first athletics event and a chance for them to develop a running habit for life. The London Youth Games cross country competition is part of a proud legacy of major Games such as London 2012 providing life-changing opportunities for young Londoners, inspiring countless young athletes to pursue their dreams. Some of these young athletes have gone on to compete on the global stage.

 Four-time Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah (left), widely regarded as one of the greatest runners in history, represented Hounslow. Olympic champion Alex Yee, now the most successful triathlete in Olympic history, represented Lewisham from 2010 to 2014. Paris 2024 double Olympic medallist, Sam Reardon, who grew up competing in the London Youth Games Cross Country, reflects on it as one of the highlights of his childhood years. Georgia Bell, who represented Ealing in 2011, went on to win bronze in the 1500 metres at the Paris 2024 Olympics, setting a new national record in the process.

Prof Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA DL QP JM, London Youth Games Chair, said: “Over 1,700 young Londoners will take on this renowned Cross-Country course in a world-class setting providing all. Young Londoners to represent their borough and participate in our  curtain raiser to the London Youth Games 2024/25 season of events that will lead up to and include next July’s Festival Finals at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.”

Races will take place across four age groups for male and female competitors including under 11s, under 13s, under 15s and under 17s with individual, team and overall medals all at stake, highlighting borough pride and the spirit of healthy competition.

Sam Reardon, double Olympic medallist in Paris in the 4×400 men’s and 4×400 mixed, added: “London Youth Games is a massive part of my upbringing and how I fell in love with the sport. I did it for 5-6 years with Bromley from 2015 up until 2020. It was an amazing experience to do the Cross Country every November at Parliament Hill. Coming there with my team was a very inspiring moment for us and it was always on the calendar as a big race to look out for.”

Cross country is a sport that provides the type of challenge from which every participant can draw a real sense of achievement. London Youth Games continues to support councils in their missions to enhance physical health and mental wellbeing.

Andy Dalby-Welsh, Chief Executive of London Youth Games said: “We are thrilled to bring so many young Londoners together to enjoy the experience of our largest single London Youth Games event. Parliament Hill Fields also offers the type of prestigious London venue that is loved by participants, officials, volunteers, coaches, parents and carers and we are confident it will provide a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved. Our thanks go to the City of London Corporation for hosting us and South of England Athletics Associations for their support.”

The first race gets underway at 10:50, with final presentations at 13:45.