WITH the London Marathon this weekend St Albans Striders got in some final preparation.

Eight members took part in the Brighton Marathon with Brendan Cashman (3hrs 11mins) leading the Striders home. He was followed by Ben Jackson (3hrs 29mins), Helen Cartlidge (3hrs 39mins), Stephen Elkan (3hrs 42mins), Andrew Mckillop (3hrs 45mins), Helen Durance (4hrs 6mins), Judith Beard (4hrs 8mins) and Jane Lawford (4hrs 13mins).

Jack Brooks, who has travelled to Australia to compete in marathons, made easy work of the Canberra event, finishing in 3hrs 43mins 55secs.

Closer to home in the Hertford 10k, Graham Smith was the first Strider to finish in 42mins 31secs with Tanya Wallman (55mins 45secs) and Denise Howie (1hr 7mins) following. In the Flitwick 10k Graham Foster (40mins 36secs) led clubmates Wendy Webster (42mins 2secs), John Hope (47mins 55secs) and Marc Phillips (49mins 51secs) to the finish line.

In the St Albans 5k Parkrun Pablo Plaza Lastras was second overall in 17mins 10secs. Mark Castleton and Martin Whitworth “took it easy” finishing in 17mins 48secs and 18mins respectively. Jenny Maddocks was first lady in 19mins 51secs.

Many Striders will be taking part in the London Marathon next weekend. For anybody wanting to test themselves over 10k, the club will be hosting a 10k race on May 13. For budding runners wanting to improve their running a six-week course starts May 7. See www.stalbansstriders.com for details.