Hastings Lions Half-MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (739 votes). 2007 race reviewed by: M J Harvey
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Another year, another excellently organised race. The only downside being non-runners starting too close to the front and blocking those that want to run
In full: A near perfect day for running. A well organised (if tough) event that I hope to endure! again. One day I hope to be fit enough to break my 2004 PB
Date of review: March 16, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: SilkTork
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
In full: I love this run. I love it because of the big race atmosphere. You notice the big clear signs as you drive in. You notice the other runners all heading in the same direction. You notice the big Start gantry, and the crowds gathering to watch, and the marching band walking down the centre of the street, and the police towing away any awkwardly parked car. This is a big event. It's a popular event. And all of Hastings is aware of it.
I love it because of the long hill climbs at the start. Challenging - yes. Demanding -yes. But also very rewarding.
I love it because of the church choirs out singing. The crowds banging saucepan lids. The whistles, whoops and roars of support. And then the long silence of that huge, never-ending hill where every year somebody collapses: deceived, out-witted and exhausted.
I love it because of the wonderful weeeee! of the downhill section, and the playful torture of the uphill twists and turns.
I love the occasional beautiful view from the Ridge, the character of Hastings Old Town, the whiff of beer from all the splendid pubs, and the bemused look on the faces of the tourists on the seafront as you run past the crazy golf and the cafe.
I love it all.
Are there bits that can be improved? Absolutely. Better organisation at the start to get people into the right time zones. And much better organisation at the finish to keep spectators away from the finish zone. Runners are often disorientated at the finish - they've pushed hard for a sprint finish, and now they want their medal and a drink. The tea is great - but it is a struggle to find it. And there was no water, and no bananas. These things don't cost much. I like the horse brass, but I'd be happier with a cheaper medal on a ribbon, and the saved money spent on water bottles and bananas.
Small improvements that would mean so much.
I noticed there was more support this year than last - I guess that's down to the fine weather. I didn't do a PB, but I did run 6 minutes faster than last year, and did it in 2.20.48 - and that's with a cold, and having visited the beer festival in Brighton the day before!
I'll be back for 2008.
Date of review: March 15, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: mz
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Good weather, a challenge but where were the goody bags???
In full: The race and marshalling was brilliant. The water stations were 'manned' by enuthiastic cubs/beavers. Running just in front of the fireman had its advantages - suddenly lots of cheering from female voices.
On the downside - no goody bag even though I finished in 2h 15. Could not see a sign where I was supposed to leave my bag, where the loos were situated and I had to ask a fellow runner where I could get a drink at the end.
Date of review: March 15, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: WestHamFan
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Simply the best half in the country!
In full: Amazing atmosphere from a crowd that is second only to London in my book (never done the Great North). Weather was incredible so thanks for this too! Eric, the organiser, has doen another great job and I will be back again next year. Brilliant!
Date of review: March 15, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Graham Pearson
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: This race just keeps getting bigger, shame the services do not get bigger too!
In full: This is a tough race, not for the faint hearted. but a real spring challenge and lots of fun!
I just wish the services that go behind the race would improve with the numbers of people that turn up to run it. There was over 3800 people this year and only the same amount of loos (insufficent for 3000+ isotonic filled runners 25 minutes before the start time all wanting the loo). Still no secure baggage facility. For the steep £15 i paid in advance, really think the organisers should make some improvements.
Date of review: March 15, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Carl Davenport
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Apalling they had no goody bags, no secure baggage just a big tent !!
In full: This event is billed as one of the best 1/2 's out there but really to have no drink or goodies at the finish for £20 is a rip off! The secure baggage was a haven for thieves on the make, the crowds were superb however.
Date of review: March 14, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Patrick O'Brien 3
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Brilliant Atmosphere
In full: This was my first half and it has really whet my whistle for more! Hills were not much of a problem - steady risers rather than painful climbs - definitely be back next year!
Date of review: March 14, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Maria Reardon
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Wonderful as usual. The crowd support was amazing. This has been my favourite race for a number of years and will be back in 2008
Date of review: March 14, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: LONE TURNBULL
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: Fantastic race. Plenty of marshalls and lots off water stations on a very hot day.
Date of review: March 14, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Sammy E
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A great way to spend the morning
In full: I was dreading this race because of the word "hills". However I found the hills manageable. There was great support throughout the course and the scenery was just gorgeous. It was nice running along the sea front at the end. Overall the race was fantastic and I will no doubt be back in 2008.
Date of review: March 13, 2007
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