Keeping track: Athletics facilities in South West London

• By Ellen O'Riordan on Mar 30, 2016

Keeping track: Athletics facilities in South West London

When it comes to athletics training, the South Western facilities run laps around the offerings of other London areas.  They have numerous state of the art venues that seduce relays of elite level athletes, whilst also opening their doors to the general public.  Whether you’re the next Mo Farah or are simply hoping to put one foot in front of the other at a relative pace, you are sure to enjoy the splendid facilities that South West London has to offer.

Battersea Park Millennium Arena

This centre is a hub for high quality sports, with tennis, football, netball and athletics facilities.  The 400-metre synthetic athletics track is the crown jewel of the arena, consisting of 8 lanes. The track is floodlit to keep you training during dark times.

Opening Times:  Monday to Friday 9am to 10pm, Saturdays 9am to 6pm, Sundays 9am to 9.30pm.

Sessions:  Junior drop-in athletics (8-13 years old) on Wednesdays at 4.30pm.

Clubs:  Battersea Running Club and more.

Prices:  £4.20 for adults, £2.90 for children or concessions.  £2.90 for the use of the changing rooms.

Contact:  sportsbookings@wandsworth.gov.uk  or 020 8871 7537

Tooting Bec Athletics Track

A smashing 400-metre 8-lane synthetic track with adjacent field facilities, this centre will stop you in your tracks.  The centre is used by both top class athletes and the general public.  The pavilion provides heating changing and shower facilities.

Opening Times:  Weekdays 8am to 9pm, weekends 8am-7pm.

Clubs:  Herne Hill Harriers Athletics Club.

Prices:  Adults are charged £4.30 whilst concessions pay £3.  Monthly and annual passes are also available.

Contact:  tootingareasportsteam@wandsworth.gov.uk or 020 8871 7171

Track Coulsdon, Croydon

This 400-metre track was only opened in 2013, so its 8 lanes are in fantastic condition.  Perhaps the most tempting element of this track are the floodlights, making those winter evening sessions possible and bearable.

Opening Times:  Monday, Wednesday, Friday 5pm-9pm.  Saturdays 9am-5pm and Sundays 10am-12pm.

Clubs:  South London Harriers.

Prices:  Monthly passes available; £15 for adults, £10 for children.

Contact:  Via their website.

Kingsmeadow Athletics Centre, Kingston Upon Thames

With 8 lanes of synthetic track spanning 400 metres, Kingsmeadow Athletics Track is a beauty to run on.  The track also benefits from the almighty floodlights. The track was recently awarded a 1st class track certification from UK Athletics

Opening Times:  Monday to Thursday 7.30am to 10pm, Fridays 7.30am-8pm, weekends 9am to 5pm

Sessions:  Holiday courses for juniors

Prices:  £1.90 for adults and £1.50 for juniors

Contact:  020 8547 2198