14 Apr 2026
A St Albans runner is taking on the challenge of the London Marathon for the first time to help secure the future of the city’s much-loved athletics track.
Mark Stevens will run the 26.2-mile route to raise funds for St Albans Athletics Track at Westminster Lodge, which has been run by a charity since April 2024 after SADC pulled its funding due to budgetary pressures.
Used by hundreds of runners, athletes and community groups every week, it remains a vital sporting hub for the city.
Mark, a member of local running club St Albans Striders, decided to take on the challenge after seeing first-hand the difference the track has made to his family, including his teenage son, who is a member of St Albans Athletics Club.
He said: “My son has autism spectrum disorder and can find the social side of life challenging. Being part of the athletics club and training at the track has helped him feel included and supported.
“He’s been welcomed into the community, made friends and is now competing regularly and successfully. When the future of the track was uncertain, it was worrying to think about what that might mean for him and so many others who rely on it.
“The track is a real asset to St Albans, and as a family we’re incredibly grateful that it’s been saved. Taking on the London Marathon feels like the right way for me to give something back.”
The Westminster Lodge track is used by St Albans Striders, St Albans Athletics Club, schools, community groups and members of the public. It has also supported elite athletes, including Olympian Phoebe Gill, who trained there in the lead-up to her Olympic debut in 2024.
Wendy Powell, trustee of St Albans Athletics Track charity, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Mark for taking on this huge challenge to support the track.
“We’re thrilled to have someone run the London Marathon on our behalf and excited to follow his journey – both in his training and on race day.”
Mark added: “The scale of the event is daunting – it’s one of the biggest marathons in the world and I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m hoping to raise £2,000 and do St Albans proud.”
You can support Mark and donate to his fundraising page at: 2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/markstevenstalbanstrack
Photos courtesy of St Albans Striders.
