The twenty-fifth Youth's English Cross-Country Championships took place at the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Showground in Stanley Park, Blackpool. The four-mile course consisted mainly of grassland and the starters were set off by the Mayor of Blackpool, Alderman Albert E. Stewart J.P.
Eight runners formed the leading group early in the race with John Davies (Thames Valley Harriers), Jim Kendrick (Small Heath Harriers), Ray Smedley (John Willmott Grammar School), Nick Rose (Bristol Athletic Club), David Black (Small Heath Harriers), Ian White (Small Heath Harriers), Peter Adams (Aldershot, Farnham & District AC) and Barry Smith (Thurrock Harriers) all tightly bunched. After one and a half miles Smedley and Kendrick shared the lead but Scottish champion Colin Falconer (Springburn Harriers) burst through the pack and opened up a 15 metre lead and continued to extend his lead crossing the line 40 metres ahead of his nearest rival. Julian Goater (Shaftesbury Harriers), who had fallen early in the race, battled with Kendrick and Smedley for the other medal spots. 300 metres from the line Goater was in second place but Smedley and Kendrick outsprinted him to take silver and bronze respectively.
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