Marathon training runs and the Sandy 10 kept many St Albans Striders busy this weekend.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans Striders at the Sandy 10. Picture by Michelle MartinSt Albans Striders at the Sandy 10. Picture by Michelle Martin (Image: Archant)

A number of Striders headed to Bedfordshire to complete the club championship’s Sandy 10 race.

The sunny conditions and beautiful countryside boosted the runners with Wendy Walsh coming home as second V45 female, and Deidre Heydecker as second female V55.

Jonathan Scott was the first Strider home (1.00), while Doug Hobson achieved a 10 mile PB in 1.04.

Stuart Middleton crossed the finish line in 1.10, followed by Nicola Carter (1.16), Magda Bobon (1.20), John Hope (1.24), Andrew Maher (1.27), and Michael Reibscheid (1.29).

Also gaining their club championship points were Katie Bunting, Michelle Martin, Denise Tinant, Linda Cassidy and Wai Meng Au-Yeong.

As a number of Striders will be completing marathons in April, many took part in the Gade Valley 20 mile training run, with confidences being boosted at the completion of the challenging yet picturesque course.

Elsewhere Ruth, Carolyn and David Martin made it a family affair at the Kingston Breakfast runs.

Ruth ran 20 miles in 2.38, Carolyn completed eight miles in 1.20, and David completed an eight mile run in a good time of 1.47.

Further afield, Jack Brooks ran his 100th marathon in North America at the Wizard of Oz themed Wicked Marathon in Kansas.

Thankfully no tornadoes hit, but the first part of the course was hampered by strong winds and rain.

Despite the weather and the hilly terrain, Jack was 18th overall and first male V60 in a time of 4.27.

Sebastian Rowe was first to cross the line at South Oxhey parkrun and Howard Bull achieved a PB at St Albans in a time of 20.05.

St Albans Striders ‘Run with Striders’ course starts in May.

It is suitable for anyone interested in joining a running club, but wanting a taster first.

For more information go to www.stalbansstriders.com.