Why we love the Hastings Half Marathon
Nice Work HQ is a hive of activity as we make our final preparations for the 41st edition of the legendary Hastings Half Marathon!
This is our third year helping the Hastings Lions in the organisation and the delivery of this iconic event and it’s most certainly our favourite event of the year.
And for so many reasons. We love how the Hastings community come together to help and support our 3000 runners as they pound the challenging 13.1 mile course circling the town. The runners themselves, for whom many are running for a cause close to their hearts, are chasing the challenge (or a course PB) and raising huge amount of money for good causes in the process.
The 300+ kids are worthy of a mention as they take on the one mile in the Mini Run. Seeing them race down the finishing straight to the huge cheers of the crowd is a site to behold. Will we have a future winner of the half marathon among them?
As Race Director, my source of pride is seeing a year’s worth of planning come together on the start line. Nothing prepares you for the sight of the never ending start funnel of runners in their colourful club and charity tops, and the odd inflatable dinosaur or Wonder Woman among them. Then the buzz of anticipation as we await sight of the winners along the seafront and then the cheers, you can actually feel the excitement in the air!
But none of this is possible without the help of our 200 strong volunteers, marshals and supporters around the course. We love how many come out of their homes and turn out in this beautiful seaside town to support the runners.
This is what makes the Hastings Half Marathon so special. It’s about community and people doing what they love to do. Good luck to everyone taking part on the 23rd March and see you on the start line!
Rachael Wood
Managing Director Nice Work and HHM Race Director