Barnet’s Denny Pascal Wins Silver at 2025 London Youth Games

Key Points

• Barnet schoolboy Denny Pascal won silver in the under-13 boys’ race at the 2025/26 London Youth Games Cross Country.
• The event was held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill Fields.
• Denny completed the 2km race in 7 minutes and 4 seconds.
• Over 1,500 young athletes from 32 London boroughs participated in the competition.
• The London Youth Games event is a prestigious youth sporting competition that has been a starting place for Team GB stars such as Sir Mo Farah.
• Sir Mo Farah commented on the significance of the event in bringing boroughs together and nurturing future talent.
• Tricia Leman, deputy mayor of Camden, highlighted the event’s role in building self-confidence and life skills in young athletes.
• The event had support from the City of London Corporation and the South of England Athletics Association.
• The event marked the start of the 2025/26 London Youth Games season.

What Happened at the London Youth Games Cross Country Event?

As reported by UK Sports Yahoo, Barnet’s Denny Pascal secured a silver medal in the under-13 boys’ race during the 2025/26 London Youth Games Cross Country event, which took place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill Fields. Competing among more than 1,500 athletes representing 32 different London boroughs, Pascal completed the challenging 2km race in 7 minutes and 4 seconds, earning second place in his category.​

This event is significant as it marks the official start of the London Youth Games’ 2025/26 season, an annual multi-sport competition that provides young athletes with the valuable experience of competitive sports in a community setting.

Why is the London Youth Games Cross Country Important?

The London Youth Games Cross Country holds a special place in the development of young athletes. According to a statement from Sir Mo Farah, a decorated Team GB distance runner, the event offers a unique platform for young talent to shine and unite boroughs through sport. Farah said,

“I remember running at the London Youth Games when I was younger. Sport has the power to bring people together from all boroughs and hopefully there is some talent competing this year who can go on to great success in the future”.​

The event’s legacy as a launching pad for several notable British athletes adds to its prestige and importance for participants like Denny Pascal.

How Did Officials and Organizers View the Event?

Tricia Leman, deputy mayor of Camden, provided insight into the broader significance of the games beyond athletics. She emphasised the value of the event in teaching young participants critical life skills, including the discipline needed to prepare for competition and the importance of community involvement. Leman stated,

“What the games are giving them is self-confidence, it’s giving them life skills, they’re learning the disciplines of preparing for competition and the pleasure of being part of a community with the other young people of their age. They’re learning something here that really is going to stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives”.​

The event was made possible with the support of the City of London Corporation and the South of England Athletics Association, both of which play key roles in encouraging youth sports development across London.

Who Participated in the London Youth Games Cross Country?

The cross country race saw participation from a diverse group of young athletes representing 32 London boroughs, with over 1,500 runners competing across various age categories. This wide participation underlines the inclusivity and competitive nature of the London Youth Games as it spans multiple sports and age groups.​

What Does This Mean for Barnet and Denny Pascal?

The silver medal win by Denny Pascal is a moment of pride for Barnet, reflecting the borough’s commitment to fostering young athletic talent. As highlighted in social media posts and official event announcements, Barnet’s showing at the London Youth Games Cross Country is notable and celebrated within the community. This achievement not only recognises Denny’s hard work but also shines a spotlight on Barnet’s sports development programmes.​

What Is the Historical Significance of the Venue?

Parliament Hill Fields at Hampstead Heath, where the event was held, is a recognised site for many youth athletic competitions. It has a proud history of serving as the launching ground for some of the UK’s greatest sporting talents, reinforcing the symbolic and practical significance of the venue for the young athletes competing there.