The St Albans Half Marathon has been going for 35 years when this years event comes around and the aim of the event is to raise money for local charities in the St Albans area. The supported charity changes each year and is picked by the community. Last year was the biggest yet with over 3,300 half marathon runners! They also hold a walking event in which last year 400 took part in, a 5K run which attracted 600 runners, and a fun run which sold out and had 2,500 participants. There is something for everyone.
The St Albans Half Marathon organisers have focused a lot of time and energy into making the event a real family day out, with the aims of bringing the community together and helping people to become more active.
Safe and supportive
There are plenty of safety measures to ensure that all participants are safe at all times throughout the run. Since the half marathon is a road race, the roads are closed and marshaled by 400 voluntary marshals who are very supportive and encouraging to help participants all the way around the course. The majority of the race is done on road, however the race starts in a park which you leave to a mix of main roads and country roads.
The runners village is where people congregate and celebrate the event, there are other activites in the area including: a massage area, bag pick up and drop off, a new stretching and cool down area and plenty of activities for children.
Not age or ability restrictive
The fastest time that anyone has ever run the St Albans half marathon was actually last year and the record is 1:09:46. However the event has something for everyone and is not age or ability restrictive and is not only focused on elite/competitive runners. Last year an 81 year old completed the walking half marathon while a 1 year old took part in the fun run.
The half marathon can be run whether it is your first half marathon or you are trying to break your personal best time.
The 5K provides those interested with a slightly shorter run and can also be run by beginners or seasoned runners.
The fun run welcomes all.
Do not have to run the whole distance
Which ever event you take part in, you do not have to run the whole distance. Everybody starts somewhere and running for part of the race and then taking short walks when you need to is fine.
The atmosphere you can expect on the day is a very welcoming and positive one. Many of the marshals get dressed up in fancy dress and one particular group have been marshalling the event for 25 years and will cheer you the whole way around. When you come back into the park the finish line is packed with people and a commentator who will be cheering you on to the finish line.
Whether you are looking to take part in your first half marathon, fancy another medal to add to your collection or are just looking for a lovely family day out, the St Albans half marathon sounds like the perfect event to do it at.
