If you have ever felt brassed off with the standard medal offered at other races, take a look at the beautiful bespoke horse brass that was awarded to every one of the 2,587 finishers in the 40th anniversary Hastings Half Marathon from Sea Road, St Leonards-on-Sea on Sunday morning (24 March 2024).

Hastings is synonymous with the famous Battle of 1066 but it was a time of 1:06:48 that sufficed for Seyfu Jamaal (London Heathside) to win this year's Battle of Hastings Half Marathon. Jamaal was closely followed by local club runner Ross Skelton (HY Hastings, 1:07:31) and Marshall Smith (Ashford AC, 1:08:59).

Partisan supporters on Hastings seafront cheered home the new women's champion, Grace Baker (Hastings AC, 1:21:13) who had finished third last year in 1:19:37. The runners-up were HY Hastings club members Rachael Mulvey (1:26:06) and Jenna Louise French (1:27:50).

The tough climbs and often windy conditions usually add a few minutes to most competitors' best times but spare a thought for 82-year-old Stephen Roper who used his 40th consecutive appearance in the Hastings Half Marathon to 'break in' a new knee! Stephen is one of just 10 'ever-present' athletes who have completed every Hastings Half Marathon.

The resilient octogenarian piloted his trusty rollator – with its handy built-in seat – and his four-legged friend around the 13.1-mile course in 4:38:37 representing West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, with four runners behind as he finished 2,583rd!

The Hastings Half Marathon is organised by Hastings Lions Club, in partnership with Sussex-based Nice Work. Although challenging, the course records reflect the high calibre of athletes who have graced this event. Samuel Otenio (1:01:37) and Andrea Wallace (1:11:13) hold the best times seen at Hastings.

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

Image courtesy Hastings Half Marathon on Facebook