"We are a community event and take pride in providing something for everyone, whether it's the challenge of a Half Marathon or Walking Half Marathon, or the 5K and Fun Run for those just getting started. We hope that this award attracts more runners to St Albans and assists the St Albans Half Marathon in raising even more funds for local charities and organizations. This award has completely blown us away. Our community event is growing in popularity, and we can't wait to celebrate with all of our runners on Sunday, June 11th!" The event, which is now in its 36th year, was founded in 1982 by local businessman Phil Gibson, who wanted 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. 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 event was deemed a resounding success. It was billed as the largest charity event ever held in St Albans. It was hoped that the event would become an annual one. Phil Gibson now competes in the race every year, wearing race number 1.