Report week ended 4 April 2021

The Easter weekend saw the return of ‘real’ races – including the local St Albans 10k organised by Active Training World at Highfield Park in St Albans on Good Friday. Participants reported the race was extremely well-organised including a staggered start to the race to ensure meet covid-secure guidelines.

The race was won by Strider James McMurray in 30 minutes exactly; and the fast, flat course produced several impressive results. Heather Hann was third female home in 37:45, breaking the 10k V35 Striders club record in the process. Paul Greaves was second M50 in 37:06, just two seconds outside the 10k M50 club record. John Cooper also took the men’s V60 club record in 38:19 – and on Saturday at Kempton Park he went on to break the club’s 5k V60 record in 18:49 ! At St Albans, Jonathan Bird (40.59) and Gill Hudnott (56:29) achieved personal best times.

Easter Saturday saw the first Marathon of the year at Dorney Lake in Windsor. Fastest Strider was Matthew Cooper in just 2:42:58, a personal best. Will Bowran also had a hugely impressive marathon - 2:45:19 to break St Albans AC U20 record. Andrew Mckillop was third M50 in 2:45:51, breaking the club M50 Marathon record which had stood for 27 years! Ola Kubas ran her first Marathon in 4:20:23