Hastings Half Marathon preparations hot up

The 31st running of the popular annual 13.1-mile event will take place on Sunday March 22, just over five weeks from now.

Race director Eric Hardwick said: “Look after your race number. It has a computer chip personal to you attached.”

Numbers for the Mini Run - a seafront race for children aged 11-16 which takes place during the half marathon - will also start to be sent out.

Youngsters are encouraged to enter now as it is difficult to do so on race day given that the Mini Run start is more than a mile from the registration centre.

In order for your name to be listed in the official race programme, you must enter by Sunday March 8.

We continue our build-up to the big day, meanwhile, by taking a look at some more reasons for running from the many entries already received.

Reasons for running - Mark Sproson: First Hastings. Running for charity and to be a running partner for a friend.

Ali Bonner: Wanted to do it in 2014, but injured. Live here now and trying to beat Queensway.

Annie Broe: Want to beat my first Hastings time and train for the Brighton Marathon.

Kerry Taylor: Felt that I didn’t do well last year and want to give it another go.

Ian Dart: I did it 20 years ago, but did not cross the line as I was so disappointed with my time and did not want it recorded. My wife did finish and she reminds me of it on a regular basis.

Paul Anderson: I like to keep fit and would like to see how fast I can run it. My children have autism and diabetes so a good opportunity to raise money for charity.

Pip Vickery: I needed a goal to aim for and as friends are running, I decided to join them as my challenge.

Sadie Hobden: To lose weight and gain confidence.

Simon Buontempo: My daughter said I would not make it as ‘too old’.

Robert Lochinger: My girlfriend wants to do it to beat me.