It’s been a busy week for the St Albans Striders, despite the blustery and rainy weather.

The last race in the Hatfield 5K Series saw amazing individual performances. Matt Cooper came in 4th (16:27) with John Snowden hot on his heels, finishing 6th only 2 seconds behind. Freya Weddell continued her run of form, finishing 8th (16:38) as the 1st female, and 1st in her category. Andy Jordan was second in his category with an impressive 18:03.

The night ended with Striders collecting armfuls of silverware. In Age Categories for the full series, Kate Dixon, Wendy Walsh and Matt Cooper all came 1st, Andy Jordan 2nd, and Patrick Hayes, Jonathon Scott and Max Campbell picking up 3rd place. Freya Weddell won the Female Series, with Kate Dixon just off the podium in 4th. In the Male category, Adam Yorwerth missed silverware with a creditable 4th place. 

Striders also won the Team Series in both Male (Adam Yorwerth, Josh Snowden, Matt Cooper, Patrick Hayes) and Female (Freya Weddell, Kate Dixon, Jessica Laitner) categories.

As if that wasn’t enough, Freya Weddell also led the pack at the Sandridge 10k on Sunday, in tricky conditions. Her time of 36:56 was ahead of her nearest rival by over 90 seconds. Laurence Blow came in 5th (39:53). Kate Dixon, Wendy Walsh and Colin Braybrook also came first in their categories.

Rebecca Butler also managed an impressive PB of 43:26 at the Stratford 10k.

Further afield, the yellow and blue vests could be spotted in the crowds at the Copenhagen Half Marathon. Jonny Pennell (1:20:16), Errol Maginley and Adam Herron all finished in under 1hr 30 mins. Hollie Ryder, Tim Searle, Jenny Maginley and Seb Row completed the course in under 1hr 40mins. Ruth Crowther finished in 2:11:15.

Pushing the ultramarathons, Jack Brooks completed the Thames Path 50km in 7:57:40. This marked an astonishing 635th marathon/ultra for Jack, as a true inspiration.

Not to be outdone on distance, there was also a turnout for the Suffolk Coastal Path 50k. Richard Davis secured 8th place  (4hrs 21mins) with Max Campbell not far behind in 10th (4hrs 24mins). Ross Hendry also completed the ultra in 6hrs 4mins.

Striders continue to show amazing form across various disciplines and distances, making it a club that welcomes runners of all abilities.