Sunday 22nd March 2026

The ever-popular Hastings Half Marathon once again delivered its trademark mix of tough early climbs and a fast, flowing finish along the seafront.

Held on Sunday 22 March, the race drew thousands of runners to the Sussex coast for one of the region’s most prestigious events and it didn’t disappoint.

With blue skies ☀️ overhead and crowds lining the entire route, a fantastic team turnout of 35 Harriers 🖤❤️ were out in force, producing a string of strong performances while kicking off the Sussex Grand Prix League in style 🏆

The course, as always, tested runners early on, but those challenging climbs we have all grown to love are more than rewarded by a sweeping downhill return to the promenade. There, a lively atmosphere 🎶 and a stunning seaside finish awaited, with fantastic local support carrying runners home 🎉.

With near-perfect race conditions, many Harriers took full advantage digging deep over the closing miles to secure some superb times.

Leading the way was Mike Leigh 🌟, first Harrier home in an impressive 1:21:02, followed by Linford Crusty 🍪 (Rob Chrystie) (1:23:07) and DG 🛁 (1:25:22), all putting in commanding performances.

Mick 🏃🏽 continued the strong showing with 1:31:28, while Claire Keith 🍒 led the women home as first female Harrier in a brilliant 1:33:03.

Close behind came Sarah Day 🤩 nailing a new personal best in (1:35:05) and Oli P 💴(1:36:38), with Tinks 🧚🏻 crossing in 1:36:57, just ahead of Popey 🙏🏻 with a new personal best (1:37:02) and Woolley 🧶 (1:38:11) in a tightly packed finish.

The strength in depth continued throughout the field, with great runs from Chris FG 🙌 (1:42:45), Andris 🏃🏻‍♂️ (1:42:48), Chris Shoult 🦵🏻(1:44:49), Fluffy 🐌(1:45:25), Belinda 🌺(1:46:13), Scott Harris ⭐(1:46:48), Jo McGowan 🌹(1:47:59), and Dan Harris 🏃🏻‍➡️(1:48:00).

Further strong performances came from BIG Si 🥊 (1:52:34), Tracy 🏃🏻‍♀️ (1:53:45), Mark Bassett 🐶(1:54:26), Steph 🧁 (1:57:11), and Graham Pundye 😂, who dipped just under the two-hour mark in 1:59:55.

Crossing the line with determination were Tina ⚽️ (2:01:21) and Tash 🍹 (2:01:21), followed by Amie 🎂 nailing a new personal best (2:08:41), Andrea 🇭🇺 (2:10:56), Andrew Moore 🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️(2:11:10), Lou Lou 🌸(2:13:21), and Sophie Forbes 🌻 (2:13:48).

Rounding off a fantastic team effort were Lady Delves 👸🏼 (2:18:31), Sandra 🐕‍🦺(2:23:50), Louisa 👩🏼‍💻 (2:23:38), Lisa PH(🧡2:24:38), and Darren Gillett 🚗 (2:39:47), each showing true grit to the finish line.

Shout out to the marathon runners amongst this lovely lot who ramped up miles before and even some after the race: Darren Gillett, Fluffy, Lou Lou, and Mick.

From front runners to those battling every mile, it was a brilliant all-round performance and a superb start to the Grand Prix season, proof once again that Hailsham Harriers show up, dig deep, and deliver… whatever the hills throw at them!

The next race in the SGP league is the Haywards Heath 10-mile on Sunday May 3rd.  Race entries are open at nice-work.org.