Half marathon hailed the best ever

THE 18th Hastings Half Marathon was hailed as the best ever as runners and spectators turned out in their thousands to enjoy the brilliant March sunshine.

The race was dominated by the Kenyans for the fifth year running with Simon Kasimili collecting the winner's prize for the second time.

More than 3,500 runners entered an event that has grown in reputation considerably over the last few years.

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Race director Eric Hardwick was delighted with the day. He said: "It was probably the best one ever. From the organisation side to the weather, it was difficult to find fault with the day.

"The conditions were just about perfect and the crowds really lifted the runners and I don't think you could have got better than that."

Kasimili, 21, won the event in 2000, and this year scooped the 1,000 top prize for his run of 1.04.55, beating compatriot Michael Rotich in a sprint finish, with Bernard Kangogo finishing third.

Jude Croft from Headington Road Runners, Oxfordshire, was the biggest winner of the day, collecting 1,000 for being the first woman across the line and 500 for being the first UK woman home.

She was followed by Bexhill's Deborah Burridge, the first local woman to finish.

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