This week saw more local racing for St Albans Striders, with both the St Albans Summer Solstice 10km race and the next iteration of the Mid Week League series taking place.

The Summer Solstice 10k challenges runners to beat the sunset on the longest evening of the year. It’s an annual fixture in the club calendar and one of our host races, bringing together a mix of new and experienced runners on a fast, flat course, starting in Highfield Park. The event would not have happened without Stu Middleton, Run Director, and his fantastic team of volunteers. From lead bikes, to marshalls, to catering, and many other roles in between, the evening showcased the fantastic efforts of so many at the club to put on a great event.

As well as the volunteers, over 80 Striders braved the hot night and raced, with some fantastic results. Stefano Federici put in an excellent performance to win the race in 34.33, with Patrick Hayes coming second in 35.28. Freya Weddell was first woman in an impressive fourth place overall, in 36.06, with Kate Dixon second (40.38) and Tamsyn Clark third (41.29), making it a full Striders podium for the women.

In the veterans categories, there were also some brilliant Striders results, including winners across three different men’s age categories in Mark Kennedy (37.33), Andy Jordan (38.37) and Anthony Thomson (1.19.05). Simon Errington was also second in his age category, in 45.27. For the women, Clare Watkins was first in her age category in a time of 44.05, with Luisa Brana second in the same category in 48.06. Caroline Bailes (49.21) and Deirdre Heydecker (56.27) also had excellent runs, respectively coming second in their age categories.

Away from the Solstice, there was more mid-week action for Striders in the latest Hertfordshire Mid-Weed Road Race League event, this time a race of about 9.3km in Stevenage. It was another hot night, but that didn’t stop Striders from producing some excellent results to keep the club at the top of the men’s, women’s and veteran’s league tables.

For the women, it was another exceptional run for Freya Weddell, winning the race in 33.26. Catherine O’Connor was the next Strider in fourth place (35.58), followed by Christina Durbin (fifth, 36.11), Kate Dixon (sixth, 37.02) and Lucy Waterlow (ninth, 37.31).

There were more notable results for the men, with Will Lindsey first in 31.13, followed by Stefano Federici (fourth, 31.33), Steve Buckle (eighth, 32.03), and Paul Adams (tenth, 32.29).

In other results, George Booth broke the club record for 2,000m Steeplechase, with a spectacular time of 6.49.

Jethro Offemaria also gained his first medal of 2025 for St Albans Striders in the Rutland 10km, clocking 1.27.43 despite the scorching heat!