Parliament Hill Fields, Hampstead Heath, London hosted the forty-eighth English Youth's National Cross-Country Championships. Many people consider Parliament Hill to be the 'home' of English cross-country. The course was described as combining hard climbs and deep mud along with fast stretches and consisted of one small lap and one large lap plus the start and finishing straights making a total of seven kilometres. Part of the course previously used was unavailable due to the installation of a gas main and a new course had to be devised. The major sponsor for this National Championship was the Corporation of London who are custodians of the Heath.
A leading group of five gathered at the end of the small lap, Matthew Moorhouse (Salford Harriers), Northern champion Kevin Farrow (Derby & County AC), William Levett (Tonbridge AC), Ben Noad (Bristol AC) and Midland champion Scott West (Oadby & Wigston).
Half-way around the large lap, Robin Heap (Hallamshire Harriers) joined the leaders and at the front of the group were Farrow and West. With a mile to go disaster struck West as he lost a spike and was unable to continue. Farrow cruised home in 21:15, 20 seconds adrift was Levett with Noad third, 12 seconds further back.
Farrow told Athletics Weekly: "Scott [West] was slightly behind me and I didn't realise he had stopped until somebody shouted. Even then, I thought they were taking the Mickey. I couldn't believe it."
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