Neil Jeffries
26 February, 2025
Sport

Two Half Marathon events inspire personal bests galore for Hastings Runners

Hastings Runners members had a choice of two half marathons to run last weekend: the nearest just to the west at Eastbourne, the other just a little further north at Tunbridge Wells

Hastings Runners sporting green and black ahead of the Eastbourne Half Marathon.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the closer event won the lion’s share of the competitors with 20 running in the club’s green-and-black colours. Remarkably, the fastest of those – Luke Day, who officially completed the course in a personal best time of one hour 27 minutes and 57 seconds – actually ran the distance in 1:24:15 but ran an extra 1k loop due to an error by the marshals.

Behind him in HR colours were Lewis Parsons (1:28:52), Sam Davies – in another PB time of 1:29:47 – and Andy Knight (1:47:44). Next home was the club’s first woman finisher, Lindsey Jones who also recorded a PB of 1:49:52. Second, third and fourth HR women were Kelly Da Rosa (2:15:50), Deanne Smith (2:19:13) and Kirstie Carlton-Blake (2:20:57). Well done, also, to Nick Attwood who was the fourth member to record a PB in 1:54:51.

Meanwhile, at the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon, there were nine in green-and-black – and two more personal best times, too. The first of those was by the quickest Hastings Runner to finish – Danny Firth in an impressive 1:27:44 – and the other by Pete Heasman in 1:56:09. Between his two clubmates, Simon Newstead clocked 1:31:24.

All smiles from Hastings Runners at the Eastbourne half startline.
All smiles from Hastings Runners at the Eastbourne half startline. Credit: Contributed

In the women’s side of the race, Denise White was the quickest HR in 1:48:03 with Maria Newstead finishing in 2:29:37.

• This Sunday, 2nd March, at 10am, the Hastings Runners’ Mental Health Champions invite all-comers to their monthly walk/talk/run event in and around Alexandra Park. Meet at the bandstand cafe. It’s a great opportunity to lift your spirits in beautiful surroundings – whether you’re coming back from injury, trying to regain your running mojo, or just fancy getting out for fresh air and company. Free tea/coffee in the cafe at the end.

Hastings Runners welcomes new members of all abilities aged 12 and over for fun, training and competitive running. Visit https://hastingsrunners.co.uk

Hastings Runners Danny Firth, Mark Rodrigues, Pete Heasman ran the Tunbridge Wells Half Mrathon.
Hastings Runners Danny Firth, Mark Rodrigues, Pete Heasman ran the Tunbridge Wells Half Mrathon. Credit: Contributed
Hastings Runners’ Luke Day recorded a PB – and ran an extra 1k! – at the Eastbourne Half Marathon.
Hastings Runners’ Luke Day recorded a PB – and ran an extra 1k! – at the Eastbourne Half Marathon. Credit: Contributed