Ian Hirth ventured into London on the Saturday to run multiple laps round the Lea Valley cycling centre within the boundary of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. His 'Velo Park' half marathon race time was 1:36:39.

A number of Striders took the opportunity over Christmas to take part in parkruns across the country. In particular, club chair Graham Smith ran his 50th parkrun at St Albans on the 23rd in a time of 17:40 in second position. This feat was then equalled by Tim Searle on Christmas Day when he also ran his 50th parkrun, at Panshanger in Hertford, getting his best time there of 18:54.

On Boxing Day three St Albans Striders travelled to Aylesbury to take part in the annual 5K road race. Mark Taplin won the MV50 age category with in 19 minutes and 20 seconds, with David Jackson crossing the line with a new Personal Best of 25:35. Seasoned marathoner Jack Brooks came sixth in the MV60 age category with 28:44.

Also running 5K on Boxing Day was Calum Latham at the Pinewood Trails in Black Park near Slough, with 21:34. Donna Irwin ran the Witham Boxing Day five mile race in 38:36.