Organisers of the Hastings Half Marathon have announced a brand new relay as part of race day, giving local runners the chance to take on the iconic course as a team for the first time.

The Hastings Half Relay will take place alongside the main race – on March 21, 2027 – and splits the marathon's famous route into legs of around 10.8k and 10.3k.

One runner will tackle the uphill section from the start line on Sea Road, while their partner takes over at the halfway changeover point on The Ridge for the downhill return to the finish.

Both runners get their own race bib, chip timing and a finisher medal, alongside the full race day atmosphere the event is known for.

Will you take up the baton for the two-person relay at the 2027 Hastings Half Marathon?

placeholder image — Will you take up the baton for the two-person relay at the 2027 Hastings Half Marathon?

The event, organised by Nice Work on behalf of the Hastings Lions Club, is designed to open race day up to people who might not yet feel ready to tackle the full 13.1-mile distance alone.

Organisers say the new format is aimed at Couch to 5k graduates, friends and running club pairs, as well as local workplace or community teams looking for a shared challenge.

Susie Roberts, Race Operations Manager at Nice Work, said the relay was about making the event more accessible without losing any of its spirit.

"Let's face it: a half marathon is a long way!" she said.

"The relay allows pairs to share the challenge instead of facing it alone. Both runners can experience the epic energy of the route and a medal each, with the distance split between two people.

"It's about opening race day up to a much wider range of runners - this is not for the speedy athletes, this has been built to help more people experience the magic of race day - and that legendary Hastings support!”

Entries for the Relay are now open alongside standard entries for the main Hastings Half Marathon. For more information or to enter, visit www.hastings-half.co.uk