We had hoped to bring you news of the 41st Hastings Half Marathon this week but it was cancelled at short notice following a chemical incident on the A259 Marina Road. According to local press reports, more than 40 homes were evacuated after chemicals that ‘pose a threat to life’ were discovered at a property on Thursday 20 March 2025.

The essential police cordon, road closures, and advice to the public to avoid the area had put the race in doubt although there was a glimmer of hope when Sussex police announced that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team had successfully removed the 'desensitised chemicals' from the house and carried out a controlled burn in a skip near the sea wall on Saturday morning (22 March).

Race management team Nice Work and event promoters Hastings Lions had started the lengthy set up procedure and left it as late as possible to make the final decision in the hope the race could go ahead but at 7:00pm on Saturday evening it became apparent the cordon would not be lifted in time for the event to proceed safely, issuing this statement:

“It is with great disappointment that we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the Hastings Half Marathon. Please know this decision was not taken lightly, we have tried absolutely everything, and we fully understand how disappointing this is for everyone. Following advice from the police and multiple partners, we carefully explored all possible alternatives. However, the safety of our runners, volunteers and supporters must always come first. At this stage, we still have no confirmed time for when the cordon will be lifted or when we will have access to the course. Given this uncertainty, we feel it is only fair we make this call now, allowing you as much time to adjust your plans while knowing we did everything we could.

"We will be reaching out to all registered runners, volunteers and partners with further details. We want to express our heartfelt thanks for your support and understanding during this incredibly challenging and unprecedented situation. Please bear with us as we make plans for the cancellation and we will be in touch with further information as soon as possible. Thank you again for your patience and support during this challenging situation – The Nice Work Team and Hastings Lions.”

Long-serving former Race Director, Eric Hardwick told a local reporter that only Covid had previously forced the race to be called off, saying: "We have had the threat of foot and mouth disease, roadworks, cold weather, strong winds, and murders – there’s always a lot of pressure to worry about but we only had to cancel for Covid."

Around 3,000 runners were expected to compete, with many raising funds for charities while putting the finishing touches to their preparations for a spring marathon.

Results and previous race reports are at the runABC South race listing here.

Images courtesy Hastings Half Marathon on Facebook