The refurbished track from above

ON your marks, get set – and now it’s go go go for runners returning to the Parliament Hill athletics track after the completion of 18 months of refurbishment works.

London’s Lord Mayor, Michael Mainelli, helped with the official re-opening at an event on Hampstead Heath last Wednesday evening. The event saw the unveiling of a new plaque marking the redevelopment which organisers hope will pave the way for future generations of athletes to be able to train.

The £2million project was finally finished at Christmas and has seen major renovations, including resurfacing the track so that it maintains UK Athletics TrackMark accreditation and can host major national and international athletics events.

The works have also included upgrading the floodlighting to make it more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, limiting light pollution.  The track is the home of the Highgate Harriers, which was established in 1879 and is one of the oldest athletics clubs in the country.

Graham Norris, a committee member at Highgate Harriers, said: “The official reopening of the track was a really good evening, and it was lovely to see the Lord Mayor there for the formal opening of the track.

“The track received lots of praise from the athletes who were there and the Highgate Harriers open meeting that evening had the highest numbers in attendance since Covid.”

He added: “The Highgate Harriers are extremely grateful to the City of London for this investment project.”

The track will be put to the test on the Night of the 10,000m PBs (personal bests) next month, one of the most exciting events for national and international athletics in the city.

Ben Pochee, director of the Night, said: “The reopening of Parliament Hill track prior to Night of the 10,000m PBs is utterly fantastic, and in many ways the community coordination with the City of London Corporation to drive the project onwards is symbolic of how Night of the 10,000m PBs has grown. “I am very excited and I hope the Camden community will join us on May 18 to celebrate!”

Chris Hayward, the City of London’s policy chairman, said: “This investment will be of huge benefit for local people and Londoners alike, and we are proud to support the capital’s sporting infrastructure.”