Bexhill races set to return in May

The start/finish line will be on the lawns of the De La Warr Pavilion and with a predominantly flat course along the promenade, it’s an ideal event to register a personal best time.

Like last year, there are three events - a full marathon, a half marathon, plus a 10k relay race - over a course which has been officially measured.

The beneficiary of this year’s event will be the Tree of Hope children’s charity, which was founded in Bexhill.

A spokesman for the race organisers said: “Originally this event was a one-off to coincide with the Atlantic Challenge in 2015, but it was such a success that we have decided to hold the event again this year. If well supported, we are hoping it will become an annual event to be added to the local sporting calendar.”

Home maintenance firm Booker & Best Ltd has very kindly stepped in as the event’s main sponsor.

Its director Lee Cobb said: “We are pleased to be supporting this local event this year and hope that even though the number of runners is limited, the possibilities for raising money for the Tree of Hope charity isn’t.”

TL Sports Events is generously supplying the race equipment free of charge and the De La Warr Pavilion is supporting the races by making its sun terrace available for post-race entertainment. The event organisers would also like to thank Bexhill Rowing Club, Wrightway Safety and Vivid Promotions for their support.

The Starfish Races are being promoted in association with Bexhill Runners & Triathletes, and the races are open to affiliated and non-affiliated runners of all capabilities.

Despite last year’s races receiving an excellent UK Athletics race adjudicator report and very favourable feedback from the runners, the organisers are planning to make the event even better this year.

There will also be live music adjacent to the finish line from Bexhill-based band the League Of Gentlemen. Every runner will receive a commemorative medal, plus there will be trophies for the winners of each event. There will also be four spot prizes and each entrant’s race number will be entered into a draw to win £100.

The current course records are 3:03:25 for the men’s marathon, 1:23:32 for the men’s half marathon, 1:48:16 for the ladies’ half marathon and 3:03:14 for the 10k relay.

Apart from the main races, there will also be junior races, including a 500m dash, plus 1k and 2k events. Although not compulsory, there will be a prize for the best fancy dress entry with this year’s theme being the Battle of Hastings. Each junior runner will also receive a medal for participating.

For all information relating to the event or to enter online, visit starfishraces.com. To contact the organisers, email [email protected]

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