The Hastings Half Marathon course is euphemistically described by Sussex-based race management company Nice Work as "achievably challenging" on the event website. That's one way of putting it!

From the sea level start on Sea Road, alongside the Marina Gardens at St Leonards, it is mainly uphill for the first half of the course, peaking at almost 500 feet beside the Hastings Cemetery at St Helen's. However, the roller coaster nature of the route means a net gain of 961 feet before the finish line back at St Leonards.

The 42nd Hastings Half Marathon returned to its regular slot on Sunday, 22nd March, after being cancelled last March due to a serious chemical incident, as reported in runABC South.

Devised by Eric Hardwick MBE, the Race Director from 1985 to 2022, the Hastings Half Marathon is now sponsored by Hastings Direct Insurance and organised by Hastings Lions.

Team GB athlete and British marathon champion Charlotte Purdue was the official starter this year. As one of the fastest marathon runners in the UK, with a PB of 2:22:17 at Berlin in 2023, Charlotte brought some world-class inspiration to the 2,614 finishers who conquered the legendary hills in less than five hours.

First among unequals was London Heathside racer Seyfu Jamaal, finishing a mile clear of the rest in 1:05:17 – a quick time, although well shy of the legendary course record of 1:01:37. Weghata Zerom (Ashford AC, 1:10:45) and David Ervine, of Hastings club HY AC (1:10:49) completed the men's podium.

Charlotte won the women's race, but it was Charlotte Clarke (unattached, 1:17:55), not the illustrious event starter. Local athletes Grace Baker (Hastings AC, 1:20:40) and Imogen Matthews (HY AC, 1:20:49) were the runners-up.

Changes for 2026 included a new race medal design inspired by Jack in the Green, one of the most iconic festivals in the Hastings calendar. Competitors could also enjoy beer from Brewing Brothers, artisan pizza from Chunky's Catering, refuelling treats from the Protein Ball Company, bananas from Johnson's Fruiterers of Rye and spot prize potential for everyone.

The supporting Mini Run, with 362 finishers, was won by Aiden Larkin (6:08) and last year's female champion Rosie Ferguson (6:55).

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

Image courtesy of Hastings Half Marathon website