By Matthew Kiernan

Twenty-four Croydon Harriers were in action at the London Youth Games cross-country championships at Parliament Hill this weekend representing the Borough of Croydon.

Croydon, the 2012 London Youth Games champions, kicked off their 2013 campaign against 33 competing boroughs with sixth place overall in the boys’ races, and 10th in the girls’ categories.

Harry Smith got Croydon off to an excellent start in the U11s race, finishing runner-up over the 1,500m course in five minutes, 30 seconds.

In the 2km U13 boys’ race, Michael Eagling (26th, 8:15) and Angus Harrington (33rd, 8:18) helped the borough to sixth, while Abbie Burrett (9:14, 50th) and Ellie McCormack (9:30, 76th) helped the girls team to 13th.

Omar Harhara (35th, 11:34) and Charlie Brackenborough (45th, 11:44) took on 3km in the U15s to help the team to eighth, and the girls matched that feat with Emily Howe (41st).

In the U17 men’s race, Laurence Johnston was 62nd in 18:31 over the 5km course, with the team placing 10th.