Get ready for a big Hastings v Eastbourne challenge - virtually

Although 5k, 10k and half marathons are popular distances to race these days, the one-mile race began in Britain in the 18th century when people would bet on the winner and the races gained notoriety as a form of gambling.

The popularity continued into the 19th century and thanks to Roger Bannister, who famously broke the four-minute mile in 1954, the mile has become a phenomenon that goes beyond sport.

It is a demanding distance which combines both speed and endurance and athletes from both clubs will be putting this to the test over this weekend.

As with the previous virtual race, competitors will choose a route (adhering to social distancing guidelines) and upload the results to the main competition website between midnight on Friday/Saturday and and 11.59pm on Sunday.

Athletes will range in age from under-11s through to the upper veteran categories.

Hastings AC look set to field a strong men’s team with entries from Jonah Davies, Lewis Courtnage, Isaac Elam, Ethan Hodges, James Crombie, Max Thomas and Jeff Pyrah to name a few.

The women’s race could also see impressive times clocked by Hastings AC’s Grace Baker, Sophie Markwick and Nicole Edmunds.

Entries close at 11:59pm on Friday. This is a UKA-licensed road race and results will be published on both the competition and the Power of 10 websites.

For more about Hastings AC and how to enter, please visit www.hastingsathleticclub.co.uk or email [email protected]

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