Phil Gibson, a local businessman, founded the St Albans Half Marathon in 1982 to raise funds for a hospital scanner after his mother died of breast cancer. The first race, known as the Mini Marathon, was open to runners, joggers, and walkers. It drew 1,300 competitors, each of whom paid a £1.00 entry fee and received a certificate upon completion. Local athlete Kirk Dumpleton was the first man home, and local schoolteacher Irene Peatie was the first woman. Alan Woollaston sat on the gantry above the finish line, speaking the numbers of the finishers into a tape recorder, then working late into the evening with his son to feed them into the computer. The results were so important that the presentations had to be made the next day.

The event was deemed a resounding success. It was billed as the largest charity event ever held in St Albans. It was hoped that it would turn into an annual event. We are proud to say that the race has become a regular fixture on the running calendar, attracting athletes from all over the world. Despite injury and pregnancy, three of our local athletes have competed in every race! Duncan Burgoyne, Tony Crocker, and Paula Wise are their names. Since its inception, the event has grown to include fun runs for children, a 5K race, and the Walking Half Marathon, with over 6,000 participants.