Striders were out in force to tackle the undulating St Albans lanes for their annual 10-mile race on Sunday morning.

A firm favourite with runners from across the county and beyond, the annual event named after former chair Fred Hughes showcased the dedication of Striders volunteers and race organisers who put on a fiercely contested event for over 1200 runners.

Female athlete Freya Weddell was first home (2nd overall) for striders finishing in 58:35. This bettered the long-standing women’s 10-mile club record (60:29) set in 1993 by almost two minutes, cementing Weddell’s place as one of the rising stars in the club’s recent history.

Heather Hann (62:14), Catherine O’Connor (63:33) and Hannah Burkhardt (63:49), joined Weddell to form the first placed women’s team in the county 10-mile event.

In the men’s race Stefano Federici (9th) was first across the line for Striders in 53:52, picking up a V40 10-mile Club record in the process. He was joined in the winning men’s team by Matthew Cooper (54:59), Adam Yorwerth (55:14) and Patrick Hawker (56:19).

Strider’s men also took the second team prize with Jacob James (56:41), James Bryden (56:54), Chris Wrighton (57:54) and Thomas Croft (58:00) all claiming silver county medals.

Elsewhere in warmer climates Ivan Ghose clocked his 92^nd official half marathon by completing the Madeira Half. Despite struggling with some calf issues since the turn of the year the Strider managed to complete the course in 1:40:49.