Big race entries sold out

The magical number of 1,500 competitors was reached by the end of last week for the popular annual event on Saturday November 8.

Although entires have sold out, the charity Help the Wounded Royal Marines has 50 places available. Runners will need to donate or raise a minimum of £100 to be allocated a place. Go to www.justgiving.com/Poppy-Half-Marathon

Among the competitors are John Dyckes, Ralph Astley, Eddie Dolan, Russell Bestley, Katie Burtonshaw, Richard Tickner and Cathy Buckingham, all of whom have run five or more of the seven Poppy Half Marathons.

The Poppy Champion Runners - as they are known by organisers TL Sports Events - will receive a Poppy Champions Trophy.

Although entries are full for the main event, places are still available for the quarter marathon and 5k races. Entry for these events can be made at poppyhalf.co.uk

The half marathon will be held over a fast, flat course of three 7k loops (the quarter marathon is one lap plus an additional loop), all on the promenade and nearby roads.

The race will start outside Coast Bar & Grill on De La Warr Parade and runners will head west along Bexhill seafront before moving onto the lower promenade. They will then turn and head back to the start via Richmond Avenue and The Polegrove before repeating the route twice more.

The half marathon and quarter marathon will start at approximately 12.30pm, with the 5k at around 10.30am (TBC). The children’s races will set off at 12noon.

The races will be preceded by a two-minute silence and there will be a singing of the national anthem by local X Factor star Hannah Bradbeer.

Registration will take place on Friday November 7 from 6-8pm and Saturday November 8 from 8-11.30am in the function suite at Coast Bar & Grill.

Organisers are appealing for more help with marshaling on race day. A spokesman for TL Sports Events said: “We still require marshals to help out on the day. Please help and you will receive a complimentary commemorative t-shirt, carvery voucher, entry to one of our 2015 races and a food bag for the day.”