Tracking down South East London's best Athletics Track

• By Ellen O'Riordan on Mar 30, 2016

Tracking down South East London's best Athletics Track

Despite the fact that scientists claim that athletes have reached their peak potential, over 30 world records were broken during the London 2012 Olympics.  One of the reasons that athletes continue to run faster, jump higher and lift more, is that more and more people than ever before have access to sports facilities and exercise programmes.  The result is that more talent is being discovered and nurtured.  South East London are no exception to this pattern, with plenty of athletics facilities available at affordable prices.  Below are some of the best tracks where you can train for your next Guinness World Record attempt.

Norman Park Athletics Track, Bromley

This athletics track is one of the busiest in the country, so is maintained to an extremely high standard, suitable for competitions.  With 8 lanes of all-weather 400-metre track, Norman Park is a great track.  

Opening Times: Vary depending on the season. Usually open Monday evenings, Tuesday and Thursday 2 pm - 9 pm, Wednesdays and weekends 9 am - 1 pm.

Sessions:  Mini Trackstars every Wednesday from 4.15pm for £4.50 per session.

Clubs:  Blackheath and Bromley Harriers.

Price:  £4.20 for adults and £3 for children and concessions.

Contact:  normanpark@btconnect.com or 020 8462 5134

Croydon Sports Arena, South Norwood

Tucked into the bottom corner of South Norwood Country Park is an all-weather running track run by the Croydon Council.  The track is comprised of 8 lanes and is 400 metres long.  It is in excellent condition and has viewing seats and changing facilities.

Opening Times:  Monday and Wednesday 9am-4pm, Tuesday 2-9pm, Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-12pm.  Closed on weekends.

Sessions:  Croydon Athletics Academy trains athletes between the ages of 6 and 15.  Training is on Monday and Wednesday evenings, with the first session free.

Clubs:  Croydon Harriers Athletics Club.

Price:  £3.50 for adults, £3 for juniors and £2.55 for students/ senior citizens.

Contact:  scott.hart@croydon.gov.uk or 020 8654 3462.

Crystal Palace Athletics Stadium, Bromley

The 400-metre all-weather synthetic track in Crystal Palace underwent a £1.5 million upgrade in 2004 and remains in superb condition. The track's 8 lanes have felt the footprints of Britain’s top athlete as the home of the British Grand Prix.  It has a seating capacity of 16,500, floodlights and changing facilities.  Just because the weather decides to pack it in, doesn’t mean you have to, as there is also an indoor straight 110-metre running track.  There is also an indoor area for jumping and a throwing cage.

Opening Times: Weekdays 6.30am-10pm, weekends 8am-5pm.

Clubs:  Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC, Crystal Palace Triathletes, South London Harriers.

Prices:  £3.45 for adults during peak times, £2.10 for juniors.  Off peak adults £2.35, £1.20 for juniors.

Contact:  crystal.palace@leisureconnection.co.uk or 020 8778 0131