There’s something uniquely electric about running 13.1 miles through the creative, vibrant beating heart of East London.
With street party vibes, live DJs on every corner and an unstoppable local atmosphere, the HOKA Hackney Half has earned its reputation as the UK’s coolest half marathon. Whether you’re hunting down a fast PB, soaking up the festival spirit of the wider Hackney Moves weekend, or taking on your very first half marathon for charity, Hackney Half is one to tick off your running bucket list.
The Hackney Half route offers an authentic tour of East London, blending urban culture, historic venues, and lush parklands.
The action kicks off at the Hackney Moves Festival Village on Hackney Marshes, where over 20,000 runners gather in wave starts to a soundtrack of live DJ sets. The opening miles guide you off the marshes towards Lower Clapton and into the heart of Hackney along Mare Street.
Miles 3 through 6 bring high-energy crowds as you pass the historic Hackney Empire theatre, Hackney Town Hall, and loop through Broadway Market. The vibrant street noise is matched by sound systems set up by local communities outside shops and pubs.
Entering the second half, the course weaves past the lush greenery of London Fields and through the creative hub of Hackney Wick, famous for its industrial charm and colourful graffiti murals.
The final miles loop through the tree-lined avenues of Victoria Park before bringing you back onto Homerton Road for an exhilarating sprint finish straight into the festival village on Hackney Marshes.
Yes! Hackney Half is widely considered one of the fastest half marathons in the UK. The course features minimal elevation change, smooth tarmac, and broad streets, making it a prime destination for breaking 2 hours or chasing a personal best.
Extremely flat. The total elevation gain over the entire 13.1 miles is less than 50 metres. There are no major hills or steep incline surprises anywhere on the route.
It is arguably the best first half marathon in London. The flat terrain, generous 3.5-hour cut-off time, incredible community encouragement, and festive atmosphere take the pressure off first-time runners.
Hackney Moves is the broader weekend sports and culture festival hosting the race. Alongside the main Sunday half marathon, the event village on Hackney Marshes hosts a Saturday 5k, community yoga, fitness classes, street food stalls, and live music across both days.
General entries typically open in late May or early summer right after the current year's event finishes and sell out rapidly. If general entry sells out, you can secure a place by running for one of its official charity partners through realbuzz.
From vibrant street art and live DJs to a flat, blisteringly fast course, the Hackney Half is the ultimate celebration of East London running culture.