Hastings Half marathon: All hail the £5m race

The event has always been a leader in road running, and was the first to introduce top prize money, and because of its success, further introduce separate prize money for UK Athletes.

There will be more articles on the history of the Hastings Half Marathon in the coming weeks

All monies raised from the event go back into the community, and so far over £5m has been raised for needy causes.

Entrants are encouraged to raise monies for their own special causes.

SEE ALSO Man completes Hastings half marathon in his house | Remembering the Hastings Half Marathon - picture special | Key defender gives Hastings United a boost for 2020-21 season | McSweeney set to swap Bexhill for Kansas as football adventure beckons | Ultimate Eastbourne Eagles speedway team - who would be in yours?Although reckoned to be a tough event, it has produced very fast times over the years. In 1988 Paul Davies Hale ran a time of 62.10, which was the fastest time in the world for that year. In 1999 Samuel Otieno (Kenya) ran a time of 61.37 to win a bonus of £10,000.

Unbelievably, Derek Stevens in 1986 finished in a time of 1.06.6, wearing race number 1066.

Where else in the world could that happen but at Hastings on the most famous date in our history?

There are bonus prizes of £1000 for breaking the male and female course records.

There is also a mini run for ages seven to 16.

The event is pleased to host top UK internationals, and has regular visitors from Kenya and other African countries.

In previous years it has staged the UK Half Marathon Championships and SEAA Championships,and Sussex Championships

The event has good prizes, and has a special prize-giving evening in April to present them all.

It has been a leader in trialling chip timing and now has the race number incorporating the computer chip. Other factors include a special train service from London, free parking and park and walk, a free quality race programme, free race results, lots of entertainment on the route, and the incredible spectator support that is unique to Hastings.

Add to that the hot drink at the finish and the unique ‘Hastings Brass’ for all finishers, it shows that the event tries to give good value to entrants.

And don’t forget more than £5m raised for needy cause, not including funds organisers don’t know about.

Situated normally a month before The London Marathon, it is ideal training, as it is probably worth a 15 mile run due to the hills, but the last third is downhill and flat along the seafront.

It may not be the fastest half marathon you will run, but as mentioned earlier, some very fast times have been achieved as well as many PBs. Enter at www.hastings-half.co.uk

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.