Highgate Harriers’ Night of the 10,000m PB’s will return to the City of London Corporation’s Parliament Hill athletics track this month on Saturday 20 May.

Elite runners from across the world will compete alongside Great Britain’s best at one of London’s most-loved open spaces.

There will be 12 races, starting from 3pm. The final two events will be the Women’s and Men’s UK 10,000m Championships, which also double up as the trials for the 10,000m World Championships and European Cup.

The event will close with a medal ceremony at 10pm.

Off the track, spectators can enjoy music, circus acts and entertainment.

The event is not-for-profit and free to the public.

Chair of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath Management Committee, William Upton KC, said:

“This is a fantastic event which promises to inspire the next generation of runners.

“The atmosphere will be electric, with music, entertainment and huge support from the crowds for our athletes.”

The Night of 10,000m PB’s Event Director Ben Pochee said:

“Highgate Harriers’ volunteer-powered event will offer the opportunity to get up close and personal to the fastest runners on the planet and headline circus acts for zero money.

“Not much in life is free, and so I’m proud of how the community have made this not-for-profit initiative socially accessible since 2013. The event puts on a pedestal and celebrates indefatigable goodwill and inspirational physical commitment and I hope as many people as possible can share the excitement with us on Saturday 20 May.”

Swiss sports brand On is partnering with Night of the 10,000m PB’s, as part of the brand-new global athletics event series, On Track Nights. With a festival-like atmosphere, this series brings athletes and fans closer together, offering a unique and immersive experience.

After the Night of the 10,000 PB’s, the City Corporation will begin a £2 million refurbishment of the Heath’s Parliament Hill Athletics Track.

The track will be resurfaced to ensure it maintains UK Athletics TrackMark accreditation and can continue to be used to host major national and international athletics events for years to come.

The project will also upgrade the floodlighting to make it more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, and reduce light pollution.

The City Corporation protects over 11,000 acres of open space in London and south east England – including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest – and over 200 smaller sites in the Square Mile, investing over £38m a year.

The City Corporation’s 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.

Notes to editors

For more information about the event, visit https://www.nightofthe10kpbs.com/

The City of London 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. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk