Striders Sparkle at St Albans Half Marathon

The streets and paths of Verulamium Park came alive this weekend as over 6,500 runners and walkers descended on St Albans for a celebration of community, fitness, and fast racing at the city’s iconic annual half marathon.

Participants of all ages took part across multiple events—including a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and a joyful 1.5k fun run—turning the historic park into a sea of energy and determination.

The day kicked off with fireworks in the 5k, where Adam Healey stormed to a silver medal, closely followed by Matthew Cooper in third, securing a double podium for the Striders. In the women’s race, Ella Pinder of St Albans AC matched the feat with her own silver, launching the local clubs into the spotlight from the get-go.

New for 2025, a competitive 10k joined the traditional Half Marathon, with both races setting off side by side into the undulating St Albans terrain. The Striders were out in force—and in flying form.

The women’s 10k podium was a clean sweep for the home crowd, with Lily Tse (St Albans AC) storming to first place, flanked by teammates Stacey Ormerod in second and Hannah Yorwerth in third—a dominant display of local power.

In the headline Half Marathon, Heather Hann delivered a masterclass in front-running, breaking the 1:20 barrier to claim gold in style. In the men’s race, Adam Yorwerth extended his hot streak with a commanding solo effort, cruising to victory in 1:13:16 and never looking back.

Beyond the elite performances, the Striders made a huge impact on the day, with over 95 club members lacing up for the half marathon alone. There were personal triumphs galore: Jonathan White smashed through with a new PB of 1:53, while Jessica Kassel celebrated a major milestone by completing her first St Albans Half—and cracking the 2:30 mark in the process.

Meanwhile, further afield in Wales, two Striders flew the flag for England Masters at the Swansea Half Marathon. Fleur Harvey clocked a brilliant new PB of 1:38:19, while Andy Jordan powered through the field to claim bronze in his age category.

A day of milestones, medals, and memories—St Albans showed once again why it's a highlight on the racing calendar.

(Photo credits R.Underwood/Fleur Harvey)