Striders Fred Hughes 10 Mile Race Celebrates 31st Year

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

A favourite with runners from across the county and beyond, the annual event named after former chair Fred Hughes once again showcased the dedication of Striders volunteers who put on a superb event for over 1000 runners.

Patrick Hawker was first home for the Striders in a time of 58:13 to secure 18^th overall. After struggling with illness during the week Patrick fought through a nosebleed in the early miles to secure a strong finish under the hour mark. Chris Wrighton closely followed with 58:26 and he secured 3rd place in the V40 category finishing 20^th overall.

For the ladies Freya Weddell produced a blistering performance to finish in 65:23 and securing 3^rd place overall in the process. The Strider who has made a name for herself with countless winning displays in cross country looked just as comfortable on the lumpy St Albans roads.

Penny Habbick in 66:16 and Laura Hicks 68:00 were next over the line to complete the ladies trio who picked up first place in the team event.

Striders further demonstrated their strength in depth across all age categories picking up several podium places in the men’s and women’s vets’ categories. Chris Wrighton, James Chasen, Richard Davis and Gavin Murrison took 3^rd place in the male vets team prizes. For the ladies Penny Habbick, Clare Watkins and Kate Dixon were second ladies vets team and the trio of Eleanor Lambert, Nicky Laitner, and Fleur Harvey-Keenen sealed third place.

[Photo credit - Will Bowran]