The Hackney Half is a popular race through east London, known for being a good time. At every mile, runners are supported by DJs, live bands and spectators. The Hackney Half Marathon 2026 is happening this weekend.
Race Details: Date, Time, and Location
This year’s Hackney Half Marathon is happening on Sunday May 17.
The main race will start at 9am with runners setting off in staggered waves. These waves are determined by their predicted times.
The race begins and ends on Hackney Marshes.
The Route and How to Get There
The route is the same as ever. From Hackney Marshes, runners will head towards Hackney Downs, wrap around it then go towards Hackney Central. Then, they’ll go down Queensbridge Road to Haggerston and Haggerston Park, go by London Fields, around the outskirts of Victoria Park and back into the Marshes.
For those using public transport, the tube to either Stratford (25-min walk to the start line) or Leyton (20-min walk) is recommended. On the Overground, travel to Hackney Wick or Clapton.
The event recommends that drivers park at Westfield Stratford and walk over to Festival Village.
Bicycle parking (but not e-bike parking) will be available within Festival Village. E-bike parking will be located at Mabley Green, to the east of Hackney Marshes and to the north.
Aid Stations and Spectator Hotspots
There’ll be six aid stations dotted along the route with volunteers, toilets and sanitary products. You’ll find them at miles 3.5, 5.7, 7.1, 7.9, 9.3 and 11.5.
Anywhere along the route will give you a great view of the runners.
For a particularly energetic atmosphere, the best places to station yourself will be at the mile markers, where there’ll be DJs, bands and loudspeakers giving participants an extra boost.
If you know a runner’s bib number, you’ll be able to track them with the official Hackney Moves app.
Entry and Race Pack Information
General entry for the half marathon sold out very quickly. There may still be some last minute charity places up for grabs.
When runners collect their race number, they’ll also get a bag label and collection tab. Further information will be emailed to runners.
Hackney Half is the headline event of Hackney Moves, which is a whole weekend of fitness classes, food stalls and live entertainment on Hackney Marshes.