Time to get your entry in for Hasting Half Marathon
This year will see the 29thrunning of the popular Hastings Half Marathon on Sunday 24th March. The event is organised by The Lions Club of Hastings and Eric Hardwick M.B.E. who has has been the Race Director since its beginning.
The event, which is one of Britain's leading road races, and was the first to introduce top prize money for international and UK Athletes has produced very fast times over the years. In1988 Paul Davies Hale ran a time of 62.10,which was the fastest time in the world for that year. In 1999 Samuel Otieno (Kenya) ran a time of 61.37 to win a bonus of £10,000.
Unbelievably, Derek Stevens in 1986 finished in a time of 1. 06.6, wearing race Number 1066. Where else in the world could that happen but at Hastings and on the most famous date in our history!
The event is pleased to host top UK internationals, and regular visitors from Kenya, and other African countries.
In previous years it has staged the UK Half Marathon Championships and SEAA Championships. This year it will be again be hosting The Sussex County Championships, and has arranged a sponsor (Sussex Newspapers) to provide prize money and trophies for leading athletes. The Event has a special prize giving evening in April.
The race has Chip Timing incorporated into the race number, a special train service from London, free parking and Park and Ride, free creche, free quality race programme , free race results newspaper that will be posted out, lots of entertainment on route, and incredible spectator support that is unique to Hastings. Add to that the hot drink at the finish and the unique ‘Hastings’ Brass’ to all finishers, it shows that the event tries to give good value to entrants.
Over four million pounds has been raised through the event for needy causes.
Situated normally a month prior to The London Marathon, it is ideal training, as it is probably worth a 15 mile run due to the hills, but the last third is downhill and flat along the seafront.
Enter at www.hastings-half.co.uk.