Leicester on Saturday 23/02/1980 (Youths)

The thirty-fifth Youth's English National Cross-Country Race took place at Western Park, Leicester. This was the third time the race had been run at Western Park, previously it was held here in 1964 and 1976. The course totaling 4 miles consisted of two small laps and was mainly park land. Provincial Insurance Company continued to sponsor the event. Prior to the race a record number of runners were expected. On the day the weather was warm for the time of year and the course was running fast due to the firm nature of the ground.

One mile into the race David Constable (Birchfield Harriers) was setting the pace. After three miles R Herbert (Northampton Phoenix AC) led from the chasing quartet of Roy Ellerton (Staffordshire Moorlands AC), Peter Elliott (Rotherham Harriers), A Leach (Bradford Grammar School) and Constable. Elliott steadily caught Herbert and took the lead on the last uphill stretch. Elliott won in 20:30, 10 seconds back was Herbert with third going to Leach.

Gateshead Harriers just edged Warrington AC by 4 points for the team award with Bingley Harriers third.