A gold-medal winning run by Paul Burgess was the highlight for Croydon at the Balfour Beatty London Youth Games cross country competition at Parliament Hill Fields on Saturday.

The Kingsdale Foundation School student won the boys’ U13 race, given the nod ahead of Richmond's Harry Reynolds despite the pair being given the same six minute, 45 second time over the 2km course.

Croydon High School pupil Charlotte Rhule also claimed a bronze medal in the U15 girls' race as Croydon placed fifth overall in the team standings.

"Last year I came seventh, so I’ve improved," said Burgess.

"I have found something that I am good at and I want to do it all the time.

South London Harrier Tom Holden, running for Sutton, triumphed in the U15 boys' race, covering the 3km course in 9:15.

The event also doubled up as the London Cross Country championship for senior athletes over 10km.

South London Harriers' team of John Foss (88th, 39:46), Stuart Searle (120th, 41:10), Al Morton (183nd, 44:45) and Matt Saunders (209th, 47:43) came 18th overall, while Croydon Harriers team of Colin Oxlade (145th, 42:45), Martin Rowe (148th, 42:49), Andy Del Nevo (178th, 44:29) and Matthew Kiernan (189th, 45:34) were 21st.

Striders of Croydon were also represented by Barry White, who came 125th in 41:25.