Battersea Park's refurbished Millennium Arena track is World Athletics certified, one of two such London venues. Records set there can now officially count.

Battersea Park now has one of only two running tracks in London with World Athletics accreditation. The Millennium Arena track reopened after a major refurbishment, Wandsworth Council announced in October. The council did not name the other London venue.

The certification means athletes can set officially recognised records there. It also tells elite competitors the track meets the specification used at major international championships.

The work was paid for by contributions from local developments, not from the council’s own budget. The announcement does not give the cost. Renewed sports pitches in the park, finished earlier this year, were funded the same way.

Children from local schools tried the track at a launch event supported by Parkrun and the Harlequins Foundation.

Cllr Ethan Brooks, Cabinet Member for Environment, said the certification “puts Battersea Park on the map”. He said the track could support elite performance “while remaining a fantastic community asset”.

What it means for you

The council says the track is for residents, schools, sports clubs and aspiring athletes, as well as elite competitors.

The council’s announcement points to Enable’s Millennium Arena page for details. We could not open that page when we checked, so we have not confirmed current prices or opening times. Check with Enable before you go.

For more ideas, see our guide to things to do in Wandsworth.