Roundhay Park on Saturday 14/03/1998 6.1 Km (Youths)

The fifty-third Youth's English Cross-Country Championships took place at Roundhay Park in Leeds. This was the fourth time the event had been hosted at Roundhay Park after visits in 1978, 1982 and 1990. Race highlights were shown the following day on Sky Sports. The race was sponsored by the sportswear company View From.

After the two small loops and the descent of Hill 60 Northern champion Lee McCash (Pendle AC), Steve Vernon (Stockport Harriers) and Southern title holder Chris Bolt (Bracknell AC) led with Robert Maycock (Sale Harriers) 10 metres adrift. When the runners came back into view McCash and Vernon, were 20 metres ahead Maycock, who overtaken Bolt. The race was decided on Hill 60 as McCash drove for home and created a five metre gap on Vernon on the climb. Vernon's challenge was over and McCash won by 50 metres with Maycock third.

Lee McCash told Athletics Weekly: "So many people didn't expect me to win today, I began to think it would be next year before I had a chance.", he also added "My legs were aching, but I found this course was just right - firm going and good hills."

Steven Holmes (11th) led Blackheath Harriers to the team title, the other counters for the south London club were Lee Cooper (20th) and the Baker twins John (29th) and David (33rd). Silver medals went to Sale Harriers and bronze to Holmfirth Harriers.