St Albans Festival of Sport is here to stay – after yet another successful running at Westmister Lodge.

Herts Advertiser: Swimmers line up ahead of the triathlon and aquathlon at the 2016 St Albans Festival of Sport. Picture: KIERAN GREENSwimmers line up ahead of the triathlon and aquathlon at the 2016 St Albans Festival of Sport. Picture: KIERAN GREEN (Image: Copyright © (2013-2016) Kieran Green Photography)

Teams of volunteers worked over two nights to prepare Verulamium Park for the 10 events that made up St Albans’ own Olympics, which involved Triathlons, Aquathlons, Duathlons and running events.

Over 250 athletes lined Westminster Lodge Swimming pool early in the morning to take on one of the Festival’s Triathlon or Aquathlon events.

And when they returned, some of whom had been out round Redbourn and Wheathampstead on the cycle leg, they were met by cheers from friends and supporters.

Among those taking part was Mike Solomon, who has stage four cancer, and brothers Neil and Paul, who won the Sprint Triathlon Relay as well as raising £17,500 for the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Herts Advertiser: Kathryn Imrie won the Sprint Triathlon just nine months after giving birth. Picture: KIERAN GREENKathryn Imrie won the Sprint Triathlon just nine months after giving birth. Picture: KIERAN GREEN (Image: Copyright 2012-2016 Kieran Green Photography)

Twelve-year-old Robert Quigley took second in the highly-competitive adult 5km run, with dad Mark coming in 15th.

And Kathryn Imrie was named female winner of the Sprint Triathlon, nine months after giving birth.

Husband Lee completed the perfect family day by winning the Sprint Duathlon.

Also being run on the same day was the Scootahlon for children aged four to eight.

Taking place on the running tracj, that involved a 200m run, followed by a 400m scoot and finished with a 400m cycle.

Scores took part, relishing the chance to take on a very tough athletic challenge.

Gifty Enright, director of Hercules Events who organised the day, said: “The second annual Festival of Sport St Albans exceeded all expectations. Residents of the City came out in their hundreds to watch elite and amateur athletes and to cheer on family and friends, who were taking part in the many run, swim and cycle events.

“Given the incredible success of this year’s event, the Festival of Sport is sure to grow and grow. We are already planning next years event.”

Frances Leonard, mayor of St Albans who presented the awards, said: “I’ve been hugely impressed by the hundreds of people of all ages and abilities who have taken part in a wide range of challenging events.

“This Festival has shown how important sport is in bringing people together and encouraging them to take their exercise and look after their health.”