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Hastings Half Marathon MBE for Eric.
The Lions of Hastings started the half marathon in 1985 and it is still going strong under the able direction of Lion Eric Hardwick the Race Director. This is the major fund raiser for the club.
Race Director Eric Hardwick had the idea of organising a local road race having taken part in the London Marathon in 1981 (he went on to complete the London a further 5 times!). Eric had been a member of the Hastings Lions Club for some time and in 1984 took over the Presidency. During this time he and the Club organised the very first Hastings Half Marathon and have done so ever since.
The first event had 1,800 entrants with 1,500 finishers. As the running craze grew through the 80’s and as the event became more well known numbers increased to a peak in 1989 of over 3,500. Numbers then dropped for a period as the running fashion waned, however the new Millenium has seen a resurgence with the event consistently attracting over 4,500 entrants every year.
Back in 1985 a local runner, Derek Stevens happened to be runner number 1066. “Very appropriate” a lot of people thought that the number be worn by a Hastings Runner. However when the results were studied it came to light that Derek had taken exactly 1 hour 10.66 minutes to complete the course!
The Hastings Half Marathon is one of the very few distance races to attract supporters along the complete route. Amongst the most noticeable supporters are the Churches along the route. Originally they had objected as the race upset their morning service, but soon they recognised that far from being condemned the event should be praised for the work it does in bringing the community together and the money it raises for charity. Now all the Churches on the route have choirs, music, refreshments or some other support for the runners as they pass.
In addition to the Churches the many pubs on the route all open their doors to runners and spectators alike, allowing use of their facilities and offering drinks, music and vocal support.
Of course we mustn’t forget the “Pots and Pans Brigade” on the Ridge where the residents of a care home all turnout banging pots and pans, blowing whistles and generally acting in a rowdy manner that belies their years to support the athletes.
All this, along with the excellent work of the voluntary services, the British Red Cross, Hastings Scouts and Guides, ATC, Army and Police Cadets just to name a few, are what makes Hastings the official “Best Half Marathon” in Great Britain, a position it first won in 1987 and still retains.
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