Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Saturday 22nd March 2025, at 19:30hrs
Organizers of the Hastings Half Marathon have announced the cancellation of the highly anticipated event, citing ongoing safety concerns and advice from local authorities.
The difficult decision comes after extensive efforts to find alternative solutions, but ultimately, the safety of runners, volunteers, and spectators took precedence.
In a statement released earlier today, the event organizers expressed their “great disappointment” and acknowledged the significant impact the cancellation would have on participants.
They explained that an ongoing incident in the area had led to a police cordon, preventing access to the planned course.
“Following advice from the police and multiple partners, we carefully explored all possible alternatives,” the statement read. “However, the safety of our runners, volunteers, and supporters must always come first.
At this stage, we still have no confirmed time for when the cordon will be lifted or when we will have access to the course.
Given this uncertainty, we feel it is only fair to make the call now, allowing you as much time as possible to adjust your plans, while knowing we did everything we could.”
The organizers emphasized that they had “tried absolutely everything” to avoid cancellation, highlighting the unprecedented and challenging nature of the situation.
The decision was made with the understanding that the lack of a definite timeline for the resolution of the incident posed an unacceptable risk.
Registered runners, volunteers, and partners are being contacted directly with further information regarding the cancellation and any potential next steps.
The organizers have expressed their “heartfelt thanks” for the support and understanding shown by the community during this difficult time.
The cancellation has left many runners disappointed, with numerous individuals having trained for months in preparation for the event. Local businesses, which typically benefit from the influx of participants and spectators, will also feel the impact of the cancellation.
Organizers have asked for patience as they work through the logistical challenges of the cancellation and promise to provide further updates as soon as possible.
A 100 metre cordon was put in place on Thursday following the discovery of explosive chemicals inside a property on the seafront that presented a threat to life.
Emergency services have been working hard to make the area safe, and a controlled burn of the chemicals found were carried out by the Bomb Disposal Unit earlier this afternoon.
A 28-year-old man arrested earlier has since been detained under the Mental Health Act.
G2K INCIDENT WATCH 