There was a superb entry for the 42nd ATW St Albans Half Marathon and 5K on Sunday 9 June 2024 with 2,403 competing in the two main running events and a further 411 enjoying the unusual option of a walking half marathon.

St Albans Half Marathon has been held in some torrid conditions recently but 2024 seems to be bucking the trend this summer. The event is also known as the #icelollyrun and a frozen treat is given to all finishers along with the distinctive blue and yellow medal.

The race HQ and Event Village are comfortably situated in ancient Verulamium Park – named after the Roman City on which it stands – with over 100 acres of lush green parkland, lakes, children's play areas, sports facilities, and 200 years of history to explore.

St Albans Half Marathon has been a staple fixture in the Hertfordshire race calendar since it was started by local businessman Phil Gibson in 1982, with over £1million raised for charities.

This year's 13.1-miler was won by Jude Bell (Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, 1:13:09) from Aran Davidson (Chiltern Harriers AC, 1:14:04) and defending champion M40 Paul Adams (St Albans Striders, 1:14:19). There were 2,012 finishers in 3:40:05 – a healthy increase on the 1,691 finishers last year.

W50 Kate Rennie (Dacorum AC, 1:20:16) returned to take the women's title for the third successive year in her fastest time of the three victories. Heather Hann (St Albans Striders, 1:24:19) and Haley Bellerby (Serpentine RC, 1:27:43) joined Rennie on the podium as six women were among the 100-plus runners inside 90 minutes.

The supporting 5K, with 391 finishers in 1:31:12, was led by talented under-20 juniors from St Albans AC: Adam Healey (18:17) and Ella Pinder (21:23).

This video of the 40th-anniversary run gives an impression of the atmosphere at St Albans Half Marathon...

Results and previous reports at the runABC South race listing.

Photo: Courtesy of ATW St Albans Half Marathon website