There was a double victory for athletes from local club St. Albans Striders at St Albans Summer 10K from Active Training World on Sunday (14 August). Stefano Federici and Heather Hann were the successful pair on a hot, sunny day when the shade from the tree-lined route on the Alban Way cycle path was very much appreciated.

In common with events across most of the UK at the weekend hydration and pace judgement were essential elements for the 220 finishers (in 1:30:21) at St Albans, in an event described on the race website as being: "Delivered for runners, by runners".

The single-lap course starts and finishes in Highfield Park, St Albans, and follows the disused railway line towards Hatfield before a loop via Sleapshyde and back by the Alban Way. The whole route is on the flat tarmac and most of the course is completely traffic free.

The Alban Way utilises the former Great Northern Railway line – discontinued and dismantled in 1969 after more than 100 years of service between St Albans and Hatfield. Perhaps it's just a coincidence but we love it that entries for a race on a former railway line are via "tickets" sold through a new "booking platform"! 

The main race is preceded by a free Children's Fun Run within Highfield Park and quite a few parents use this opportunity as a warm-up for the main event. The main pack pulled out of the starting station on time at 9:30am with all 220 passengers on board.

Stefano Federici (33:29) was pushed all the way by London Heathside's Andrew Barnes (33:41) and Kieran Morris (34:15) in the men's race. Meanwhile, Heather Hann (38:33) had a more comfortable journey to finish well clear of W50 Joanna Parker (unattached, 40:44) and Neringa Cobb (Harpenden Arrows, 41:11).

Among the leading higher age-group competitors were M55 Martin Potter (37:26) and W60 Jackie Wastell (51:10) of London Heathside – pictured above. 

Full results and our 2021 race report are at runABC South race listing here

Image courtesy Active Training World on Facebook