Hastings Lions Half-MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (739 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: Harrisimo
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: The amazing atmosphere and incredible support help to relieve some of the pain of the challenging parts of this race, i.e. the entire first half! An excellent day.
Date of review: March 21, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: MikeF
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Challenging course, great atmosphere, awesome.
In full: The course was a massive challenge with the number of hills, and the sea front was a tough after all of the freewheeling downhill from the ridge! This made it far more enjoyable than the average flat run, and I managed a PB!
This was best support I've experienced en route. Jelly babies, oranges, bananas everywhere from supporters, as well as a lot of people on the side of the course, cheering, banging drums, singing, etc.
My only gripe is for at least one of the water stations to get up to date and provide small sports bottles rather than cups. Surely a supermarket sponsor could supply them? And maybe cake/flapjack/recovery drink/food at the end? I'd happily pay for it as part of my entry fee. Although a cup of tea was nice and felt very English!
This doesn't deter from it though - an awesome event.
Date of review: March 21, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Mr. Fink-Nottle
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Wonderful yet again
In full: This is such a special event, and this year was the sixth consecutive time I have run it. The hills were just as challenging as ever, and the crowd support was amazing. It seems everyone turns out, and it was good to see once again a supporter on the Ridge at Mile 6 displaying the placard "you've done the hardest part". This happens every year, and is such an encouragement.
Very well done once again to the Hastings Lions Club for their wonderful organisation. This was a real test for me to see whether or not my poorly left leg would stand up to it, and it did. Many thanks to the sports therapist who treated it. Never mind the time, I finished, getting a slight 'second wind' when I reached the Promenade. No painful soreness at the end, just the feeling of my muscles having been well and truly worked out, without undue strain. So I was mightily relieved at that. Great encouragement from the announcers at the finish welcoming competitors over the finish line. Lovely horse brass memento as always. Roll on 25th March 2012!
Date of review: March 21, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Choptothechest
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Only 1 More Hill........Promise?!
In full: First time I've run this course. It was a toughish route but Possibly a PB course if the conditions were right, although not for me as was a bit apprehensive about the Hills I was told about. They were never ending. Even on the downhill from The Ridge to seafront there were a few dropped it just a a reminder but nonetheless a very enjoyable route with fantastic support. Crowd made you feel like you were in the leading group all the way round! Well done Hastings!
Date of review: March 21, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: L.O.1.
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Love it
In full: I love this race. even though the first half is a bugger. hadn't trained for it so suffered on the hills.
The only feedback for improvement would be to sort out the finish line area - its difficult to find a drink and a bottle would be nice instead of cups from a bucket. but if they're keeping costs down to give more to charity then thats fine by me.
Thank you Hastings, your support is what makes this race so special. I will return in 2012, for Hastings attempt number 7 !
my favourite half marathon by far
Date of review: March 21, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Scotty Linden
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Bit of everything
In full: I managed a PB by 12 minutes on this course, was really happy with it. I thought the mile markers were supremely accurate and the support of the locals was fantastic. The people of Hastings should be proud of an event like this and support it for years to come.
One gripe, upon finishing, there was no bag, which maybe we all take for granted, but it would have been nice to have a bottle of water/sports drink and something to eat rather than a piddly cup of orange juice/tea. I think if that part of the organisation got sorted, this race would be my 100% favorite. Other than that, well done to all at Hastings Lions.
Thank you.
Date of review: March 21, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Sharon Dickson
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great race even for a first timer!
In full: I am so pleased I made this my first half marathon, the support was fantastic, the organization ran like clockwork, definately a 'must do' in my eyes.
Date of review: March 20, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: The Red Bucket
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: The friendliest half marathon in England?
In full: The Hastings Half is sooo friendly and the local support is the best I've seen (even better than the Great North Run). OK, the race bag is non-existent and it's a bit of a hilly beast, but you don't notice them as you smile your way around the course and enjoy all the sweets and orange segments handed out by the locals. It's kind of like stepping back in time. In a good way.
Date of review: March 20, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Marcus Elwes
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: First time - great event
In full: Enjoyed this race enormously. Fabulous atmosphere, great support and brilliant weather to boot. Only (very minor) gripe was no refreshments at the end when most needed, other than a cup of tea.
Date of review: March 20, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Tanya B
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Super spring time race
In full: Once again the Hastings half did not disappoint. The hills are still there - both up and down, but all the way round the crowd support is fantastic. Clear mile markers, regular water stops and additional contributions - jelly babies, oranges and bananas at various points.
Roads closed means that there's plenty of space to spread out, despite the growing numbers of entrants. I think even the finishing commentary has improved!
Well done Hastings Lions!
Date of review: March 20, 2011
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