Ultimate Guide To The Hackney Half

The Wizz Air Hackney Half is one of the biggest and most popular half marathons in the UK.

With more than 24,000 runners, support throughout the course from London’s many running clubs, plus bands and DJs at every mile, it’s a party on the streets of East London.

Here’s what you need to know about the Hackney Half.

ABOUT THE HACKNEY HALF

The Hackney Half was first run in 2014 and the route still follows much of the same original course.

Over the years it’s more than doubled in size and has become a highlight of the running year in London, with the capital’s running clubs rallying together to find their own spot on the course to cheer runners on.

It’s now the main event of Hackney Moves, a weekend of fitness, live exercise classes, a Saturday Hackney Community 5k alongside the Sunday half, a full line-up of live music, and lots of food and drink vendors within the race village.

WHERE & WHEN DOES THE HACKNEY HALF START?

The Hackney Half starts and finishes on Hackney Marshes. The race village is at the south end of the marshes.

To get to Hackney Marshes the best options are to get the London Overground to Hackney Wick and walk 20 minutes. Stratford and Leyton also have a walk of 20-30 minutes. There’s a lot of on-site bike racks, plus e-bike parking locations. If you want to drive, then park in Westfield Stratford City and walk (25 minutes).

The race village opens from 7.00am and bag drop opens from 7.30am.

There are four start pens for the Hackney Half, with staggered start times for each pen. The first runners will set off at 9.00am, and the rest of the pens can expect to start at the following times.

Start Pen A-B: 9am-9.20am

Start Pen C-D: 9.20am-9.40am

Start Pen E-F: 9.40am-10am

Start Pen G-H: 10am-10.20am

Runners should aim to arrive at least one hour before their start time. For later pens, it’s best to be in the race village by 8.45am as the road will be closed for runners only and the pavement will be very busy with supporters.

THE HACKNEY HALF COURSE

The Hackney Half leaves Hackney Marshes and the first section of the race is uphill. It’s long and steady, so take it easy there and don’t try to push too hard.

The course elevation shows that it’s not a flat course, but there are no challenging hills beyond that first mile or two. It’s a route that has the potential for fast times, while also being great for first-time half marathoners.

The route loops around Hackney Downs, runs through Hackney Central, London Fields, alongside Victoria Park and then through Hackney Wick and back to Hackney Marshes. There is live music at every mile on the course, plus huge support from locals and London’s running clubs.

There are six aid stations on the course. Drinks are mostly in paper cups. Try to dispose these in the large bins on the course. Water stations are long, so you have plenty of opportunity to get water.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HACKNEY HALF

How can you run the Hackney Half? The race is very popular and sells out quickly, so it’s advisable to sign up soon after tickets become available. They are usually available after the completion of each year’s race.

Can you run with headphones? You can run with headphones, but with so much live music on the course (plus in the interest of safety) the race organisers suggest you don’t wear headphones.

Can you run with a hydration pack? Yes, and it’s a great way to carry your own drinks in the race.

Is there a cut off time? Yes, runners have 3:30 to finish the race. Roads will begin to reopen from that time but runners expecting to finish after 2pm can move onto the pavement and still complete the race.

Does Hackney Half have dedicated areas in the race village? There is a multi-faith prayer area, baby feeding and changing, and a chill zone.

Are sanitary products available? Yes, they are provided by TOTM. They are available at help and information desks in the race village, or ask aid station volunteers.

If you have other questions about the race, then there’s a comprehensive FAQ section on the Hackney Moves website.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Here’s Rick taking on the Oxford Half Marathon, his first half following knee surgery. And if you’re running or supporting the Hackney Half keep your eyes open for Rick as he’ll be taking part in the 2025 Hackney Half!