Published: 19 September, 2013
by KIERNAN CURTIN

HIGHGATE Harriers hosted a special evening at Parliament Hill Fields in a bid to kick-start what coaches hope will be marathon athletics careers for scores of energetic youngsters.

The annual showpiece, which was held at the athletics track last Wednesday, saw young runners brave the drizzle to take part in a series of races and find out more about the club. One young man already showing his competitive nature is Theo Machin-Paley.

The 10-year-old is a name to watch out for having already won competitions in Hackney and competed against children a few years older than himself.
“I enjoy long and hard training sessions,” he said. “I like cross-country and prefer the long-distant races like the 1500m.”  

Theo then proved his prowess at endurance events by winning the 600m race.

Parent Muriel Doolan, whose daughter Bella was among the racers on the track, said: “The club is very supportive of the kids and it is not just about competing, but more about giving it your all. This is a lovely environment for the kids to be a part of, and there is also an option for them, once they are older, to become more competitive, which is a real incentive.”

Anyone interested in joining the Highgate Harriers should visit www.highgateharriers.org.uk for more infomation.