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Night of the 10,000m PBs returns to boost Birmingham 2022 hopefuls

The Highgate Harriers Night of the 10,000m PBs is set to return in 2022 and will provide essential qualifying opportunities for English athletes targeting the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The event, on Saturday 14 May 2022, will also again incorporate the British 10,000m Championships and return as the British Athletics 10,000m time trial race for the World Championships and European 10,000m Cup.

Taking place at Parliament Hill Athletics Track, it will also provide a key performance indicator for athletes targeting the European Championships in Munich later in the summer. Free for spectators against a backdrop of music and entertainment, the high-quality open races are sure to be an event for all the family.

“This will be a major opportunity for English athletes to gain qualification standards for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham so it’s fantastic to see the event return after last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic,”

said Spencer Duval, National Endurance Lead at England Athletics.

“It’s always a really exciting event with not only fantastic racing opportunities but the spectator experience is second to none. I would encourage all distance runners and coaches to experience the Highgate event at least once,” he added.

The qualifying standards for Birmingham 2022 are 28:00 minutes for men and 32 mins and 15 seconds for women.

Race Organiser Ben Pochee said: “After two track seasons in the Covid induced wilderness, we’re delighted to host Night of the 10,000m PBs again and I’m very excited by the multi layered plethora of GB and Home Country qualification opportunities the event will provide. The atmosphere, the energy and the thrill of our sport is provided by you the passionate race loving crowd, so please RSVP to our annual 25 lap club knees-up on May 14, there’s going to be a party on our Parli Hill track and you’re all invited!”

UKA Competition and Events Director Katie Brazier said:

“We are delighted to see the Night of the 10,000m PBs back again and that it will be hosting the British Championship race and trial for the World Championships. It will also provide important opportunities for athletes across the UK to achieve qualifying times for other major events this summer including the Commonwealth Games.

“The event has always created a great atmosphere and as a result supported athletes to achieve strong performances. It will be truly special to see these exciting races unfold next May, so thank you to Ben and the team for hosting us and we look forward to supporting the delivery of a great event.”

Race entries go live at end of February 2022 and information and entry link will be available on the event website.