Hastings Lions Half-MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (739 votes). 2009 race reviewed by: sarah overall 2
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: very hard hills great atmosphere
In full: you need to put in some serious training for this race don;t juat do a flat 10 miler in training and think that will be enough. However the atmosphere was great and brilliant for slower runners as there were plenty of us!
Date of review: March 17, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Kevin White 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Well organised, friendly, hilly race
In full: A fun and challenging race with excellent, friendly organisation and brilliant support. The only down point was the lack of secure baggage, but that's just minor.
Date of review: March 17, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Shadazzle
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Superb atmosphere, a tough but great route and very enjoyable
In full: This is only the 2nd time I have done this one and despite there being four years between the two, this one was just as good. Returning to racing after a serious accident, I should have picked an easier race, but the atmosphere of Hastings is superb and it has to be one of the best half's around thanks to the support of the onlookers. I had a fantastic time even though it was a tough race this time - but I am back and still enjoying the buzz - thanks Hastings its great to be back!
Date of review: March 16, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: simon dadgostar
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Good atmosphere, hard run, well run
Date of review: March 16, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: scott palmer 3
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: a challenge but well worth it
In full: As most say that end needs to be sorted out grab your medal then hit the wall of people to get a drink. A goody bag would be nice with a little snack in it and better drink stations especially on a hot day. It's well worth a day out and will be back next year.
Date of review: March 16, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Carmen Parker
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Really lively supportive crowd
Date of review: March 16, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Eddie Wattenbach
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: My third and possibly last Hastings half!
In full: Course is challenging and varied with PB potential. Organisation is generally excellent EXCEPT the drinks station at 8 miles was 'help yourself' and totally inadequate as a result; marshalling very good except when it counts through the old town where random OAP's were allowed to ride their mobility vehicles on pavements that are clearly part of the course! Too crowded at the end and no goody bag.
Date of review: March 16, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: ffRAN
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: The hills just kept coming but lovely crowd and wonderful weather
Date of review: March 16, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Justin Coombs
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great atmosphere, brilliantly run race
In full: Great race and credit to the people of Hastings - it seemed they were really proud to host the event. The fine weather doubtless helped but nevertheless this had a much more uplifting and supportive atmosphere than Sussex Beacon three weeks previously.
Wasn't aiming for a PB myself (paced my wife round) - but it's still a fastish course and while it is noticeably hillier than most city events the climbs are all either short or gradual so good times should be possible.
The only slight niggle from me was that we couldn't easily get a drink at the end - got our horse brasses then straight into a crowd of milling people - should really have been given a drink as soon as we finished in a competitor only area.
I am sure the organisers can fix that though - and I don't want to detract from what was otherwise a flawlessly-organised race.
Date of review: March 16, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Marc Jenner
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: I do love the race, but things must improve...
In full: Some might say the organisers can't win with regards to planning for the weather. Last year it was freezing, this year very sunny. However, the point of organising any event is to have contingencies in place for every situation.
The Start is just getting too crowded, and allowing spectators to mingle in with runners doesn't help. It needs to be cordoned off at say 10.15 for runners only, which would help people work out where they need to be with regards to pace. They need a second marquee for the registration/changing/baggage as it is just too overcrowded and confusing.
The heat was bad, but the lack of water stations in the first half of the race was unforgivable. Between 8 and 10 miles, I counted 8 people receiving emergency attention, including a very good friend who had literally passed out. She drank where she could, but it was not sufficient. Why has this race not got itself a water sponsor yet?
Finally, the entry fee is getting too high. I paid £21, with entries ranging between £18 and £25. In return, you receive a brass. No tee-shirt and no goody bag? No excuse guys! Get these things sponsored!
The crowding at the finish is also bad, again made worse by spectators mingling within yards of the finish line. The race is just too big to allow this.
However, the volunteers, the locals and other runners are all fantastic and can't be faulted. That is the reason I will keep coming back.
Date of review: March 16, 2009
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