Brookfield Primary School in Highgate are crowned champions of the CSSA Camden Primary Schools Cross-Country competition

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HUNDREDS of excited young runners descended upon Hampstead Heath on Friday to take part in the annual Camden Primary Schools Cross-Country competition.

Youngsters from 21 schools from across the borough competed in the event, which was organised by the Camden Schools Sports Association (CSSA).

The sports association provides opportunities for children of all abilities to experience competitive sport in a friendly and supportive setting, with an equal number of boys and girls participating in a wide range of different disciplines, including athletics, basketball, cricket, football, netball and swimming.

The various leagues and one-off tournaments that the CSSA host throughout the school year also act as a pathway, giving children the chance to represent Camden at the London Youth Games and the London School Games.

The biggest cheers on Friday belonged to pupils from Brookfield Primary School in Highgate after they were crowned cross-country champions. Christ Church School in Hampstead finished as runners-up, while Gospel Oak took third place.

“Thanks to the CSSA for putting on such a well-run competition,” said Brookfield’s head of PE, David Leech.

“We are delighted with the win! It was a team effort, with the children putting in the hard work, accompanied by the adults in the lead up to the event.

“We look forward to looking after the shield this year and hopefully retaining it next year. Bring it on!”

Mayor of Camden Samata Khatoon was among the crowd of supporters cheering the athletes across the finish line before handing out medals and trophies.

After seeing 1,200 young athletes race in the cross-country at Parliament Hill Fields, Active Schools officer Ashley Dunne-Watts said: “It was great to see so many young people from 21 different Camden primary schools come together and engage in physical activity. I’d like to say a huge thanks to the race organisers and Highgate Harriers Athletics Club for all of their support.”

Team Camden is gearing up for a busy schools sports calendar. A date for the start of the 2024/25 London Youth Games has now been set with the capital’s cross-country runners heading to Hampstead Heath on Saturday November 16.

More than a thousand youngsters aged nine to 16 are expected to gather at Parliament Hill Fields as Camden once again proudly hosts the competition opener.

Organisers from the London Youth Games will be hoping for better luck than last year when the event was cancelled due to weather concerns.