Striders Spotlight: St Albans Marathon

 

In 1984, during the first official meeting of St Albans Striders, Phil Hallman suggested setting up a marathon in St Albans. Phil pitched the idea to the newly formed club after finding a number of people who would be interested in taking part in a local marathon. At the time the country was seeing a boom in people taking up running thanks to new events like the London Marathon. 

However, it was felt that it might be a bit ambitious for a new club to consider such a big task. Also, it was thought that if the club was connected to a marathon it might discourage beginners from joining. It was decided that Striders wouldn’t take on the event, but would be more than happy to assist with marshalling.

That first race attracted ‘almost 1000’ runners and was won by Trevor Hawes of Swansea Harriers AC in a time of 2.27.25. The winner of the women’s race was Leslie Watson of London Olympiades in 2.54.

The course was described as tough and hilly. Phil Hallman was quoted in the newspaper suggesting it was the sixth hardest course in the country. The fastest time to be set over the original course was in 1987 when Trevor Hawes reclaimed his title in a time of 2.27.05. 

Over the next few years the race continued to attract lots of runners. The number of finishers ranged between 500 and 600. At one point it was suggested that the marathon was one of the top 10 marathons in the country.

Striders take over

There were a number of Striders who were involved in the core organising committee from the beginning, including Mike Starr, Roger Lowe and Fred Hughes, to name a few. After four successful years, Phil Hallman decided it was time for a rest. 

In 1989 Striders officially took over the organisation of the race, led by chairman Fred Hughes. The race that year saw a change to the previous route. The new route started and finished at the Westminster Lodge track and consisted of two out and back loops. The first half went out to Hemel Hempstead, before heading back to Verulamium. The second half went out to Bricket Wood and back. 

The course record for this route was set in 1990 by Mick McGeoch of Les Croupiers, in a time of 2.24.24.

See the route on strava here. 

Striders Success

It was mainly the Striders ladies who enjoyed success in the event. Zoe Lowe was the first Strider to take a place on the podium, finishing 3rd in 1987.

This was followed in 1989 by Ros Cox who won the women’s race in 2:53.

A year later, Ros won again in an even faster time of 2:47. Zoe Lowe was a few minutes behind in second place.

In 1991 it was Zoe who took the top spot with Liz Walls in 3rd place.

The race was also part of the Hertfordshire County marathon championships. Over the years the club won the team prize several times, initially in the mixed category and later in the women’s competition. The familiar names of Zoe Lowe, Ros Cox and Liz Walls were all county champions twice. 

Despite being the home club, Striders only managed to win the open team prize in 1993.

The Tim Boulton Trophy was introduced in 1988. Tim Boulton was a 29-year-old member of St Albans Striders and Watford Harriers who sadly died of a brain haemorrhage earlier that year. Tim had been involved in the team who set up the first marathon. This trophy was awarded to the top placed St Albans resident.

Strider, Nick Saunders won the trophy three years on the trot between 1989 and 1991. 

Local Legend

Many Striders will be familiar with local running vet, Andy Holt. Andy is currently a member of Garden City Runners and is a regular at St Albans Parkrun. Back in the 90’s Andy ran for Verlea AC who were also based in St Albans.

Andy when he finished 3rd at the St Albans Half Marathon in 1989

The 1992 marathon saw one of the closest races in the history of the event. Andy was running in his first St Albans Marathon. It was only his second marathon, with his only other one being 9 years earlier. 

The race was was neck and neck all the way round between Andy and Alan Guilder of Blackheath Harriers. As the two returned into the park, Guilder managed to pull away down the causeway before turning into the finish on the track. Andy was narrowly beaten into second place by 11 seconds. As the race finished on the track, Andy would have been on the final bend as Guilder crossed the line.  

In 1993 Andy returned to the race for another crack at the title. This time around Andy celebrated victory, winning by 28 seconds, also beating the course record holder Mick McGeoch.

The End

In the final few years of the race, the costs started to increase and the event started to make a loss. It was no longer feasible for the club to continue the event. The 1993 race was the final St Albans Marathon.