The Hastings Half Marathon has been cancelled due to a chemical incident that unfolded over the weekend, leaving organizers, participants, and the local community facing significant disappointment. The decision, made shortly after 7 PM on Saturday, March 22, 2025, culminated a tense few days marked by uncertainty about the safety of the event.
On Thursday, March 20, concerns arose when Sussex Police responded to reports of hazardous chemicals discovered at a property along part of the marathon route on A259 Marina in St Leonards-on-Sea. The discovery of chemicals deemed to pose a threat to life prompted police to evacuate over 40 nearby homes, with residents temporarily relocating to local hotels arranged by Hastings Borough Council.
As the event approached, organizers from Nice Work and Hastings Lions remained hopeful that the race could still proceed. Early on Saturday, they communicated their commitment to exploring all possible alternatives. "We know you’re eagerly awaiting an update and we appreciate your patience. We are delaying our decision as there is potential for it to go ahead," they stated, expressing their desire to find feasible options to allow the marathon to proceed.
However, by Saturday afternoon, police confirmed that the safety cordon around the affected area would remain in place. A police spokesperson reported that searches for any additional hazardous materials were ongoing, underscoring the precariousness of the situation. Furthermore, authorities performed a controlled burn of the discovered chemicals to neutralize the risk posed by volatile substances found in the area.
As the marathon was known as one of the most popular running events in the region, with over 3,000 runners expected this year, the eventual cancellation weighed heavily on the community. The statement from organizers reflected this sentiment: "It is with great disappointment that we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the Hastings Half Marathon. Please know this decision was not taken lightly; we have tried absolutely everything." Their focus remained on ensuring the safety of all involved, particularly the runners, volunteers, and spectators.
The controlled burn and ongoing investigation into the chemicals fostered a climate of anxiety for both participants and the communities impacted. Among the arrested was a 28-year-old man, who authorities confirmed posed no threat to others or himself, having been detained under the Mental Health Act as the inquiry continued.
As news of the cancellation spread, many expressed frustration and sadness. Several runners had trained for months in preparation, and numerous charities relied on the event as a critical fundraising opportunity. The absence of the marathon not only affected individual athletes but posed a significant setback for community organizations that benefited from its successful execution.
The organizers pledged to reach out to all registered participants, explaining their next steps and offering refunds or alternative event options for those who had planned to participate. "We understand this is frustrating, and we don’t want to delay the decision, but if it means the event can still go ahead, we believe it’s worth waiting a couple more hours," the organizers had previously mentioned, indicating their commitment to the event right until the last moment.
This cancellation marks a significant moment for the Hastings Half Marathon, which had previously navigated threats from various hazards, including roadworks and adverse weather conditions, without enduring a cancellation until this tragic incident. As race director Eric Hardwick noted, previously, only Covid-19 had forced such drastic measures upon the long-standing event.
Despite the cancellation, the reopening of impacted areas would still be determined. Chief Inspector James Scott mentioned efforts to collaborate closely with marathon organizers in hopes of facilitating the event in other capacities in the future. Still, for now, the focus remains on ensuring community safety and responding to the immediate needs following the incident.
As residents cautiously approach a return to normalcy, the broader implications of incidents such as these remind communities of the importance of safety and preparedness in the face of unexpected dangers. With support from local authorities and organizations, there is hope for a swift resolution while looking toward a future where the Hastings Half Marathon and similar events can thrive once again.
