Ellis Cross (#219 above) shot to fame on Bank Holiday Monday 2 May 2022 when he surprised Sir Mo Farah to win the Vitality London 10,000 and deny Farah an eighth victory in one of his favourite races – read our event report here.

Now the Aldershot, Farnham & District AC club athlete will try to defend his British Athletics 10K title in Vitality London 10,000 on Sunday 24 September – delayed from its usual May date due to ceremonial events in the capital, including the Coronation of King Charles III.

Cross, who ran a PB 28:40 to win last year, said he was ‘lost for words’ after beating Farah and is excited to return to London: “I am delighted to be returning to the Vitality London 10,000 this year,” said Cross. “It was an amazing experience beating Sir Mo, which is something I did not expect to do in a million years. It certainly raised my profile and gave me the confidence that I can compete with the very best. I'm looking forward to showing that again at this year's event.”

The 2023 race returns on its traditional, fast, flat, and stunning route through Central London, past famous landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Bank of England, Somerset House, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. There is a prize pot in excess of £10,000 for the British Championships with £2,000 for the winners of both the men's and women’s races.

The day before Vitality London 10,000 will see thousands of people of all ages and abilities take part in the Vitality Westminster Mile. The family-friendly event offers entrants the chance to run, jog, walk, wheel, or be pushed around the one-mile route in St James’s Park, starting on The Mall and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.

Entry for Vitality Westminster Mile costs £10 for adults (over 18), £7 for youngsters aged 12-17, and is free for children aged 11 and under. You can enter Vitality Westminster Mile here and Vitality London 10,000 here.

There’s also the option to sign up for the virtual Vitality London 10,000 which can be completed anywhere, anytime, between Saturday 16 and Sunday 24 September.

The Vitality Wellness Festival in Green Park over the weekend will feature a huge range of free events and activities that celebrate health and wellbeing for people of all ages to enjoy.

Results and previous reports of Vitality London 10,000 at the runABC South race listing here.

Image courtesy London Marathon Events