Hastings Lions Club are holding the 33rd Hastings Half Marathon and Mini Run (for youngsters aged 9 to 16 years) on Sunday 19 March in support of local charities and good causes. The Lions Club also promote our Historic and Wonderful Town of Hastings.
Runners are encouraged to find sponsors by their own efforts in support of their own chosen charities, or organisations that are close to their hearts. The Half Marathon is an excellent preparation for the London and Brighton Marathons, both in training terms and getting big event experience in a 4000-strong field.
The Hastings Half Marathon will be run UK Athletic Rules, and will be well marshalled throughout and will have first class medical support in attendance just in case people get into difficulties. The course will start at the Seafront and follow the route of William the Conqueror towards Battle, continue around the back of the Town and down to the Famous 'Old Town' and fishing Village of Hastings, then back along the three-mile Seafront back to where the runners started out.
Although the first part of the course is tough, runners have been known to produce some very fast times and 'personal bests’. The second half of the course is mainly level ground making running a little easier, and then the finishing straight is on the Promenade.
The Event is for runners of all ability levels wishing to achieve their own personal goal. Clearly, runners taking part may gain greatly from running a great race and making some money for a good cause or two, whilst (hopefully) enjoying the great atmosphere generated on race day.
The Lions organisers are expecting a great turn out, and many local people and visitors to the Town have turned out in large numbers to urge the runners on.
The Lions are providing good support for the athletes and slick organisation; race entry is free and there will be a hot cuppa at the end.
But runners and spectators beware, Hastings may be parked solid, so you may be wise to walk to the event or take public transport. In addition to being a well organised route the organisers can offer Chip to Chip as well as Gun to Chip timing.
A professional photography company will be taking photos that can be ordered 'on line'. The Lions plan to offer even more entertainment around the route, there will be four bands, two discos, two choirs and a cheerleader group. They want to give runners good value for money, and an experience they will remember.
This is an event not to be missed by runners and by Townspeople and visitors alike, with the opportunity to boost the event and ensure that The Hastings Lions can continue raising money for good causes in and around Hastings and 1066 Country.
Here at thebestof Hastings we wish runners and the organisers a very successful and entertaining day.
