Sport of the Month London Best Athletics Tracks By Region

Athletics is an easy sport to learn in London because of the wide range of running-friendly locations in the city. London has more than 50 tracks and other facilities for all athletics events, and many London-based athletics clubs and running clubs utilise the facilities in addition to public use.

Totally Sporty has researched the best of those athletics tracks and organised the list by region. To find your nearest athletics venue or facility, visit Totally Sporty’s directory: http://www.totallysporty.com/sport_club_venue/results.php?sport=68&postcode=SE1

North London—Finsbury Park Track

The Finsbury Track and Gym is a public sports facility located in London. Set in the heart of Finsbury Park, the track and gym is a fantastic resource for athletes, youth and seniors.

The track encircles the London Blitz American Football pitch and is of a good standard for runners and the sport of athletics. The facility also offers changing rooms, gym and showers at £3.30 for an adult and £1.65 for youth.

For more information, visit http://www.haringey.gov.uk/index/community_and_leisure/

North London—Parliament Hill Athletics Track

Located on south side of beautiful Hampstead Heath, the Parliament Hill Athletics Track is a relatively new facility for Londoners as the track and area for jumps and throws was refurbished in 2005 and 2006.

Organised running and athletics club regularly utilise the facility, including Highgate Harriers, London Heathside Runners Athletics Club, and the UCL Athletics and Cross Country.

The facility includes floodlights for nighttime and all weather use as well as changing facilities. Public fees include £2.20 for adults and £1.10 for juniors.

For more information, visit http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/contacts/non-council-contacts/contact-parliament-hill-fields.en

Central London—Regent’s Park

There are six running routes in Regent’s Park, all categorised into three different running levels. The beginner routes are The Hub, a 1.35 km run and Avenue Gardens, a 1.97 km run. The intermediate routes are Lakeside, a 2.8 km run and Outer Circle, a 4.45 km run. The advanced routes are Primrose Hill, a 1.9 km run, and Regent’s Park, a 6.36 km run. T

Free guided walks through the park are also offered.

For more information, visit http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/regents_park/sport.cfm

Southwest London—Wimbledon Athletics Track

Originally offering a cinder track with a narrow three-feet inside lane, the Wimbledon Athletics Track was upgraded to synthetic with six full lanes and eight straight lanes as well as floodlights for year-around use.

In 2005, new areas were created for long jump, pole vaulting and high jumping and sand pits are also available along the back straight of the track.

The track is home to the Hercules Wimbledon Athletics Club and Wimbledon Windmilers Running Club.

For more information, visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/leisure/sport/facilities/synthetic.htm

Southeast London—Ladywell Arena

Ladywell Arena offers an athletics track and a six-lane running track to runners of all abilities and interest levels.

Early Bird running sessions are available for free from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. The track at Ladywell Arena is also available for booking.

For more information, visit http://www.leisurecentre.com/centres/32/home/Ladywell-Arena.aspx

Southeast London—Crystal Palace Athletics Track

Crystal Palace Athletics Track is a recently refurbished facility, undergoing a £1.5 million upgrade in 2004 with the track and base mat being completely renewed with Polytan. An indoor straight is located next to the track as well as an external throwing area.

Crystal Palace has traditionally been the home of British Athletics, and the track annually hosts the British Grand Prix.

For more information, visit http://www.crystalpalacensc.co.uk/

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