Ecstatic members from Highgate Harriers race onto the new athletics track at Parliament Hill for the first time [Nat Rosa]
THE new year is certainly starting on the right track for aspiring young athletes after they were given a “harpoon of hope” by a multimillion-pound refurbishment in the heart of Hampstead Heath.
The Parliament Hill Athletics Track is now back up an running following a £2million upgrade, which was funded by the City of London. The investment not only covered the cost of resurfacing the track, but also improved drainage, new energy-efficient LED floodlighting and additional shelter at the site.
The refurbishment, which was completed just before Christmas, has “future-proofed athletic opportunity” for years to come.
It also helped secure the future of Night of the 10,000m PBs, which is hosted by the Highgate Harriers, who call the Parliament Hill track their home. The much-loved annual athletics showpiece – which is due to return on Saturday, May 18 – has become one of the biggest meets on the map, attracting some of the biggest names in the sport.
Race director of Night of the 10,000m PBs, Ben Pochee, said: “A refurbished Parliament Hill track offers us the twin-bladed harpoon of hope every young aspiring athlete requires: one, continuity, and two, long-term potential for growth.
“And for Night of the 10,000m PBs it provides a sumptuous tartan canvas for UK and international athletes to paint their aerobic dreams.”
Harriers’ president, Ben Noad, added: “The generous investment from City of London Corporation will safeguard top-level athletics for the surrounding community for the next generation.
“Established in 1879, Highgate Harriers is one of the oldest athletics clubs in the country and plays an important role in the development of our sport from the local community, national level competition right through to international competition.
“The new track will enhance the broader support the club gives to the sport, including facilitating Camden schools’ competitions, athletics for people with disabilities and hosting the National Cross-Country Championships.”
