Some of the fastest runners on the planet will descend on Hampstead Heath to try to beat their fastest times over 10,000m.

The Highgate Harriers 'Night of the 10,000m PB's' is taking place at the Parliament Hill athletics track from 2.30pm on Saturday (May 18) until its closing medal ceremony at 10pm.

This year, the final men’s and women’s races will include the UK trials for the Paris Olympic selection, and international athletes will also be chasing Olympic qualifying times.

The event is free to attend and open to the public, who will see elite runners from across the world competing alongside some of Great Britain’s best at one of the country’s top athletics venues.

Ham & High: The Night of 10,000m PB’s will take place on the newly £2m revamped Parliament Hill Athletics Track The Night of 10,000m PB’s will take place on the newly £2m revamped Parliament Hill Athletics Track (Image: CoLC)

Spectators can watch from outside the track or on the grass infield where there will also be free children’s activities and entertainment between races.

The event comes after a £2m upgrade to the track by the City of London Corporation, which owns and manages Hampstead Heath.

Ham & High: Children from the Quad Kids running club with Michael Mainelli, Lord Mayor of City of London, William Upton KC and British Olympic athlete Phil NormanChildren from the Quad Kids running club with Michael Mainelli, Lord Mayor of City of London, William Upton KC and British Olympic athlete Phil Norman (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

William Upton, Chair of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee, said:  “We are proud to host some of the UK’s and world’s best athletes here on London’s most iconic open space.

“I encourage anyone to come along and cheer on the incredible array of international sporting talent that will be participating this year.

“Our recent investment to the track has made this all possible, and helps to inspire the next generation of young athletes to follow their dreams.”

Ben Pochee, event director for The Night of 10,000m PB’s, added: “Highgate Harriers’ volunteer-powered event offers the unique opportunity to get up close and personal to the fastest runners on the planet.

“I’m very proud how our club and community have grown this initiative, from local event to international beacon destination in ten short years."