The Hackney Half Marathon is one of London’s most vibrant and popular running events, attracting over 24,000 participants each year.
Held as part of the Hackney Moves festival in May, it combines a fast-paced race with the atmosphere of a music festival, featuring live DJs, bands, and enthusiastic support from the local community.
ON THE DAY
ROUTE
The 13.1 mile course starts and finishes on Hackney Marshes, taking you on a scenic tour through East London.
The route take you past landmarks such as Hackney Downs, Hackney Empire, Regent’s Canal, Broadway Market, London Fields, and Hackney Wick, before looping back to the marshes.
While often described as flat, you should be prepared for a steady uphill stretch in the first mile, but the rest of the course is generally fast and suitable for both beginners and those chasing a personal best.
Overall the roads are in really good condition but there is the odd road with multiple pot holes filled in, which makes the road slightly uneven in places.
You can view my Strava activity HERE to see elevations and course detail.
THE START
The race begins at the Festival Village on Hackney Marshes. You are set off in waves according to your predicted finish times, with the first wave starting at 9am. You are encouraged to arrive at least an hour before your start time to allow for your bag drop and to navigate the large village.
According to your estimated time your placed into waves from A to H, which are really clearly marked and easy to find. I was in wave 'B' and waves 'A' and 'B' started together.
The only downside for me was how long you had to wait in your pen. I ended waiting 30 minutes from the time I entered the pen until we started. We were entertained by the DJ and presenter though whilst waiting.
Waiting this long is pretty standard though when it comes to large scale races and can't be helped. Just makes you wonder if doing the warm up run before was worth doing!
Once we did get going it was pretty busy but I didn't feel like it was dangerous or I was going to get tripped.
WATER STATIONS
There were 5 water stations along the route, 3 offered water in paper cups, 1 offered water in a small bottle and 1 offered Gatorade in paper cups.
The stations are well spaced out and unlike other large events I didn't feel like I was running into anyone or getting caught in traffic from those deciding to walk and drink.
PACERS
The Hackney Half had a large range of pacers for a range of finish times, helping you to achieve your goal. In waves 'A' and 'B' I saw pacers from 1:30 to 1:45.
TOILETS
Toilets are available at the start and finish, in the race village, and at every water station along the route.
While queues can be long at the event village, there were plenty of toilets, including urinals if you look beyond the busiest areas
WEATHER
As it takes place in May every year, normally it is pretty warm at the Hackney half marathon but in 2025 it was overcast, which made for perfect running conditions.
AFTER THE EVENT
FINISH LINE
The finish line is back at Hackney Marshes, where you are welcomed by lively crowds, DJ playing and encouraging you in with a festival atmosphere.
EVENT VILLAGE
The race village offers food, drinks, live music, and a place to relax and celebrate your achievement.
MEDAL
Finishers receive a bespoke medal, which changes design each year and is a sought-after memento of the event. The medal is well-made and reflects the creative spirit of Hackney.
T-SHIRT
If you opted for your number to be sent to you, your event t-shirt is sent to you with your race number.
Otherwise you can pick it up with your race number at the event village on the day.
PHOTOS
There are so many photographers on the course catching your best (and worst) poses and moments.
Before the event I paid £14.99 for the digital MEGA pack that allowed me to download all my photos and an event video. By paying before the event takes place you save £5.
There were at least 50 photos in the pack, if not more with different overlays, sizes and options.
I thought this was pretty good value to be honest and the photographers got some great photos of me.
SUPPORT
Support along the course is incredible, with local running clubs, residents, and music acts lining the streets.
The crowd’s energy and encouragement were the best I have experienced, making the miles fly by and helping you push through.
I actually thought the crowd was even better than The Big half and London Landmarks half marathons.
GETTING THERE
TRANSPORT
Public transport is the recommended way to reach the event. The nearest Overground station is Hackney Wick, about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the Festival Village. Stratford and Leyton stations are also within walking distance.
There is bicycle racks at the available at the event village and Lime Bikes to hire.
We stayed at hotel the night before and parked at Westfield Stratford. For 24 hours parking it cost £25. The car park is a short walk to the start.
HOTEL
We stayed at The Gantry London, Curio Collection by Hilton.
This is just outside the Stratford International train station and only a 15 minute walk to the event village.
WHO ORGANISES IT?
The Hackney Half is organised by Hackney Moves, a festival that celebrates fitness, community, and wellbeing.
The event is supported by local authorities and sponsors, and is known for its inclusive, party-like atmosphere.
PRICE
Due to its popularity expect to pay £50 to £80 for general entry.
Their is a premium entry which gives you extras like private toilets and bag drop, but is £150.
This is probably one of the most expensive half marathons but having experienced how well run it is and the incredible atmosphere I have no problems with the price.
HOW TO ENTER?
Entries generally go on sale for the following year the day after Hackney half marathon takes place.
You need to be on the email list to be notified when they go on sale. You can sign up on the Hackney Moves website.
Be warned, entries sell out within minutes due to its popularity.
The other option is to get place by running for charity.
WOULD I DO IT AGAIN?
100% Yes!
I signed up for 2026 as soon as I got home and got the early sign up email that participants get once they have taken part.
Its unique blend of running and festival fun, making it a must do whether your chasing a PB or a first timer. Its energetic crowds, creative route, and strong community spirit, makes it stand out as one of the UK’s best half marathons.
THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND
- The race sells out quickly, so think about it, just enter.
- The course is not entirely flat, pace yourself on the early incline.
- Arrive early to avoid queues for bag drop and toilets.
- Roads close early, so plan your journey in advance.
- Phone signal is really poor at the start/finish area so arrange to meet people at a certain place in the event village after the race just in case you cannot get hold of each other.
KIT
I wore the following race day kit:
- Soar Running Printed Tech T-shirt
- SAYSKY Combat+ 9 Inch Half Tights
- SHYU Socks
- Puma Nitrate FAST-R 3
- Coros Pace 3
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