A ST ALBANS running club has put its own twist on the Olympic torch relay, carrying an inflatable torch 35 miles to the Olympic Park in Stratford.

As torchbearers carry the flame around Britain, 50 members of St Albans Striders, decked out in the colours of the Olympic ring or fancy dress, recently took part in their own relay from St Albans to the new venue.

Runners completing the first leg runners set out from Westminster Lodge athletics track at Verulamium Park via a scenic off-road route.

Stages were about seven miles long with handovers at Aldenham, Mill Hill, Hendon and Regent’s Park.

Members Deborah Steer, Paul Adams and Will Smith completed the full 35-mile route, also carrying the inflatable Olympic torch along paths near the River Ver, Hampstead Heath and along Regent’s Canal.

Sheryl Norman, chair of the club, said: “There was a great atmosphere throughout the run as the multi-coloured stream of Striders made their way from St Albans. It was a wonderful way for the club to celebrate the Olympics coming to London.”

The club was founded in 1984 and has over 400 members.