St Albans Striders delighted with Summer Solstice 10k

The Summer Solstice 10k saw more than 500 runners brave the sunshine and hot conditions to take on the midsummer evening event, which has become a popular fixture in the race calendar since it was launched in 2016.

Based in Highfield Park it uses the Alban Way in a more or less out and back course.

Dierdre Heydecker of St Albans Striders. Picture: CHRIS BARR (Image: Chris Barr)

The race was won by Striders' own Matthew Cooper in a time of 33 minutes 43 seconds.

Team-mate Jacob James was second in 34:30 while Patrick Hawker (fourth in 34:53) and Matthew Jones (ninth in 36:54) also made the top 10.

Mark Kennedy was second in the M40 category crossing the line in 37:31. Sean Tidd was second in the under 20 category, and Michael Barbosa was fourth M60.

Hollie Ryder of St Albans Striders. Picture: CHRIS BARR (Image: Chris Barr)

The first female was Kate Rennie from Dacorum Athletics Club in 37:44.

Hollie Ryder was the first female Strider home, in 39:31, ahead of Freya Weddell in fifth place with a time of 40:26, Laura Hicks (eighth in 42:55) and Kate Dixon (10th in 43:50).

The latter was also second F35 with Eleanor the third, Deirdre Heydecker was first F65 and Didi Petit dit de la Roche was second F65.

St Albans Striders at the Summer Solstice 10k. Picture: ST ALBANS STRIDERS (Image: St Albans Striders)

A spokesman said: "An amazing 115 Striders took part and many more volunteered to help stage the event, which included a barbecue afterwards.

"St Albans Striders is a truly inclusive running club and everyone is welcome."

Elsewhere Patrick Hayes continued his good form with seventh place overall, and first M40, at the Horndon Dave Staines 10k, finishing in 38:23.

Freya Weddell was the first female home on the new off-road course in Panshanger for the Welwyn 10k.

Wendy Walsh followed her home as second female and first F45.