A challenging route and if you are going for a specific time then having a clear strategy of how fast you want to run each kilometre or mile is important. There are pacers and if they match your target time then put your trust in them.
The first 3 miles (5km) have several challenging hills but also some downhill and flat sections to take advantage of fresh legs and get 20-30 seconds ahead of your target goal pace. The first water station marks the start of the long climb up Queensway. It’s the most challenging part of the route and where the crowd thins out.
This is where your pace is likely to be 30-45 seconds slower per mile than goal pace and it will feel hard. But the key is to keep faith and dig deep. This is the hardest part of the race and if you can get to the top of Queensway less than 90 seconds off your average target pace then you are still on track.
Don’t be fooled into thinking the Ridge is flat either. There are a few inclines but also a nice drop into Ore. A few final climbs and then the race really starts with an opportunity to catch up or even go under your target time.
In terms of pre race preparation it can get extremely busy down by the start so if you can get there early to get in a warm up mile and some drills that is the best advice. Even if you complete that with 30 mins to spare, you’ll have an opportunity for one final loo stop before getting into position. Good Luck.
Hastings Half Marathon is a tough race. But it’s a brilliant race. Probably the best supported half marathon I’ve taken part in. The town really come out in their droves to celebrate this race and cheer on the local runners.
If you’re looking for a PB course, look again. But if you want to enjoy a great event, with bands, support and a wonderful atmosphere, then sign up for Hastings Half Marathon.
If you are aiming for a specific goal time then Hastings Half Marathon can be hard to pace correctly. But I’ve taken from my own experiences to create a guide to the course and how you can expect your pace to vary from each kilometer.
This is based on a sensible strategy of not going off too fast and conserving energy for the final third of the race which is downhill and then along the promenade. If you’re a runner that likes to go hard from the start and hang on towards the end, the splits won’t relate to you.
The quicker you are, the smaller the variance between your goal pace and expected pace for each kilometre. The adjustments below are loosely based on my own 1:37 time in the 2022 Hastings Half where I maintained a consistent effort throughout.