How to build stamina – and why it’s important London Marathon is the only race that sets the UK capital alive in the spring, think again. Held in May, just a month after the famous 26.2-mile race, the Hackney Half Marathon is an electric London event that blends running with live music, fitness sessions, sports activities and street food as part of the weekend-long Hackney Moves When your race distance doesnt match your watch new runners How to build stamina – and why it’s important.
Whether you’re running, spectating or looking to add this race to your bucket list for another year, here’s all you need about the 2025 Hackney Half Marathon.
When is the 2025 Hackney Half Marathon?
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Also encompassed in the Hackney Moves festival is the Hackney Community 5K, which will take place on Saturday 17 May – the day before the half marathon. This friendly 5K is free to enter and ideal for anyone aged 13 and above.
Where is the Hackney Half Marathon start line?
The race starts (and finishes) on Hackney Marshes, in the heart of the Hackney Moves Festival Village. The address to head for is Hackney Marshes, Homerton Road, Hackney, E9 5PF.
What time does the race start?
The race officially starts at 9am, with runners setting off in waves – determined by their predicted finish times – from that point. If you’re taking part, you’ll be emailed your wave allocation and start time roughly two weeks before the event. Your bib number will also show the letter of your designated start pen.
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How do I get my bib number?
If you’re taking part and chose to have your race pack delivered to you in advance, you’ll receive this in the post in the days before the event.
If you chose to collect your race pack, you’ll need to head to the help desk at the Festival Village on Hackney Marshes on Friday 16 May (4-7pm) or Saturday 17 May (9am-5pm). To collect your bib number, you must remember to bring a physical form of photo ID, as well as the event QR code which you’ll have received by email. Please note that you won’t be able to collect your race pack on race day itself.
What is the Hackney Half Marathon route?
The fast, flat route boasts the very best of Hackney, making it ideal for both PB-hunters and first-time half marathoners who want to take on a vibrant race with supreme spectator support.
After setting off from the Festival Village at the southern end of Hackney Marshes, runners pass various green spaces and attractions including Hackney Downs, the Hackney Empire, Stonebridge Gardens, Regent’s Canal, Broadway Market, London Fields and Hackney Wick. Once they’ve completed this epic tour of the London Borough of Hackney, runners then weave back round to Hackney Marshes for an energetic finish.
Will I find a bag drop and changing facilities at the event?
Bag drop tents will be conveniently located in the Festival Village. When you receive or collect your bib number, you’ll find two tear-off tags at the bottom – one is for you to attach to the bag that you want to put in the bag drop, while the other is for you to hold onto during the race and use to reclaim your bag at the finish.
You’ll find male and female changing facilities in the Festival Village, close to the bag drop tents. If you can, though, arrive dressed for the race and ready to go.
The Festival Village will also feature a quiet area, located next to the changing facilities. Anyone is free to use this space to pray, breastfeed or just seek a moment of calm.
How do I get to the start line?
By tube
- Leyton station is on the Central line and only a 20-minute walk away from the start line in the Festival Village.
- Stratford station is 25-minute walk away from the Festival Village and operates Central and Jubilee line services, as well as DLR, London Overground and National Rail services.
- If you’re travelling by London Overground, Clapton, Hackney Wick and Homerton stations are all within a 30-minute walk of the Festival Village.
Still lost? Fear not – signs and marshals wearing high visibility vests will be in place to guide you from the stations to the Festival Village.
By bike
- Several bike parking facilities will be available within the Festival Village – just remember to bring an appropriate cable or chain lock. You can also take an e-bike to the event.
By car
- If you’re driving to the event, Westfield Stratford City has 4,500 parking spaces and is a 25-minute walk away from the Festival Village.
Bus
- Due to the road closures in operation for the event, several local bus services will be running on diversions from 6:30am on race day. For more information, visit the TfL website.
Are there any toilets and water stations along the route?
The Hackney Half Marathon route features six aid stations, located at the following points: miles 3.5, 5.7, 7.1, 7.9, 9.3 and 11.5. You’ll find volunteers, toilets and sanitary products at all six aid stations.
Four of the six aid stations (at miles 3.5, 5.7, 7.9 and 11.5) will offer water in cups. At mile 9.3, you’ll find water in 330ml bottles, while the aid station at mile 7.1 will offer an energy drink in cups to give you a bit of a boost.
Can I wear headphones during the Hackney Half Marathon?
You can wear headphones during the race – but organisers suggest that you run without them, so that you can hear any instructions from the route marshals. Going headphones-free also means that you can soak up the incredible sounds and support along the route.
Talking of which, an array of live bands, DJs and performers will be positioned throughout the course to motivate runners, entertain spectators and create an unrivalled atmosphere that only Hackney can pull off.
Does the race have a cut-off time?
Although the official race cut-off time is three hours and 30 minutes, don’t worry if you don’t think that you’ll make it. If you’re predicted to finish after 2pm, race organisers will ask you to move to the pavements so the roads can reopen. Your medal will still be waiting for you at the finish line.
Where are the best places to spectate?
Since the course is highly accessible for spectators, you’ll do well to head to points that are close to public transport links, or where the person or people you’re supporting will want to see a friendly face. For enhanced vibes, you may also want to position yourself close to your favourite bands, DJs and performers along the route.
What else is happening in Hackney beyond the race?
The Hackney Half Marathon is just one part of the amazing Hackney Moves festival, which features a packed schedule of free entertainment and activities on the Saturday and Sunday, as well as the Hackney Community 5K Run.
Although the 2025 schedule has not yet been finalised, it’s sure to be a hit. In 2024, the Festival Village’s Main Stage hosted first-class fitness sessions and entertainment from local group exercise gurus, bands and DJs, while the House of Fitness held everything from ’90s-themed barre and carnival dance classes to postnatal strength sessions. The House of Ministry, too, offered a wide range of wellness and self-care sessions such as Pilates and sound baths.
In the Festival Village, you can also expect to find a family fun zone, sports activities and the Market on the Marshes, where you can shop local artisanal foods, drinks and fitness merchandise.
How can I enter the Hackney Half Marathon?
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The Outrunners, a run club and charity based in Hackney that works with young people in the area, have some fundraising places left the for the 2025 event and you can register your interest to run here.
You can also register your interest in the 2026 Hackney Half Marathon here.
