An athletics track that appeared in a television strongman contest has reopened after a £186,000 refurbishment

Abbey View Athletics Track in Verulamium Park closed for resurfacing in August.

The track, home to Channel 5’s finale of The UK’s Strongest Man, now has a a championship standards synthetic surface on its six-lane 400m and eight-lane 100m sprint section. An event area for field sports such as high jump has also been re-laid.

Cllr Annie Brewster, who is responsible for sport and culture at St Albans District Council and herself a former 1,500m runner, said: “I’m very impressed with the work that has been done and delighted that the track is now open for business. The surface is top class, it has a spring to it and is textured to prevent slipping – far better than the tracks I used to run on.

“This is an important venue in the very heart of the city, used by competitive athletes and fun runners alike.

“I’m sure they will all appreciate the new state-of-the-art surface – and hopefully it will help them record ever faster times. Who knows, it may produce an Olympic champion of the future.”

The track, which opened in 1971, is used by the St Albans Striders and the St Albans Athletic Club for training and club competitions. Schools also use the track for district sport events.

Lynne Milner, chairman and founder member of St Albans Athletic Club, said: “It’s been a long time coming, but we’re delighted to get our track back after its refurb.

“There’s still a few finishing touches, but it’s great to be training again at Abbey View and we’re looking forward to the forthcoming athletic season.

“We have over 420 members at the Club and they are all excited to be using this much improved track and field facility.”

An official opening will take place after minor work to the hammer-throwing area in the spring.

Details about opening hours and prices are online at https://www.1life.co.uk/Abbey-View-Golf-and-Track-Facility/.