Marathon to go ahead after chemical explosive find

Organisers of the Hastings Half Marathon have announced the event has been rescheduled after explosive chemicals were found at a property which was on the route.

Officers carried out a "controlled burn" of the chemicals, which were discovered on the A259 Marina in St Leonards on 20 March.

The event, which was due to be held on 23 March, was cancelled as a result.

It has been rescheduled for 5 October.

Nice Work, which manages the event, said it was "delighted" that the race would go ahead at a later date.

A spokesperson said participants who had previously signed up to the race would still be able to take part.

"We are committed to ensuring that entrants still have the opportunity to cross that finish line," they said.

"Since the cancellation, our team has worked together with the relevant groups in record time to secure Sunday, 5 October, as the new date for Hastings Half Marathon.

"All participants have been emailed with further details, including option of a free deferral if they cannot make the new date."

The popular running event had more than 3,000 runners take part last year.

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