2024 Health & Injuries

Running pace conversion chart London Marathon is the only race that sets the UK capital alive, then think again. Held in May, just a month after the famous 26.2-mile race, the Whizz Air 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 Runners are encouraged to arrive at the Festival Village an hour before their wave is set to start?

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 2024 Hackney Half Marathon.

When is the 2024 Hackney Half Marathon?

The 2024 Hackney Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 19 May.

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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 find out your wave allocation in the days before the event. Your bib number will also show the letter of your designated start pen.

Runners are encouraged to arrive at the Festival Village an hour before their wave is set to start.

How do I get my bib number?

If you’re taking part and elected to have your race pack delivered, you’ll receive your bib number 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 17 May (between 4pm and 7pm) or Saturday 18 May (between 9am and 5pm). To collect your bib number, you must remember to bring a physical form of photo ID with you, as well as the event QR which you’ll have received by email. Please note that you won’t be able to collect your race pack on the morning of the race itself.

Will there be 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 to attach to the bag 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.

This year, the Festival Village will also feature a quiet area, next to the changing facilities. Anyone is free to use this space to pray, breastfeed or just seek a moment of calm.

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, upbeat race with supreme spectator support.

After setting off from the Festival Village at the southern end of Hackney Marshes, runners go on to pass various green spaces and attractions including Hackney Downs, the Hackney Empire, Stonebridge Gardens, Regent’s Canal, Broadway Market, London Fields and Hackney Wick. Following this running tour of the London Borough of Hackney, runners then weave back round to Hackney Marshes for an energetic finish.

Hackney Moves

Are there toilets along the route?

Yes – you’ll find toilets and sanitary products at the following points along the Hackney Half Marathon route: miles 3.5, 5.7, 7.2, 7.9, 9.3 and 11.5.

If you think the.

Will water be available at aid stations?

Five of the six aid stations along the route will offer water. These will be located at the following points: miles 3.5, 5.7, 7.9, 9.3 and 11.5. All water will be handed out by volunteers in 100% recyclable cups, except at mile 9.3, where it will be available in 330ml bottles.

At mile 7.2, you’ll find energy drink served in cups to give you a bit of a boost.

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

There will be several bike parking facilities 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.

Can I wear headphones during the Hackney Half Marathon?

While you can wear headphones during the race, organisers suggest that you run without them so 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…

Will there be on-course entertainment?

Yes! An array of live bands, DJs and performers will be positioned throughout the course to motivate runners, entertain spectators and create an unrivalled atmosphere in the way only Hackney can.

Free half marathon training plans for every goal:

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There will also be plenty of toilets in the Festival Village for use before and after your race
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Mile 10.7: West End Choir
Mile 6.9: Taiko Drumming School
Also encompassed in the Hackney Moves festival is the

Is there a race cut-off time?

The cut-off time is three hours and 30 minutes, but don’t worry if you don’t think 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 best to position yourself at points that are close to transport links or where the person or people you’re supporting will want to see a friendly face. You may also want to be close to (or far away from!) certain bands, DJs and performers along the route, so look at the on-course entertainment information above as a guide.

What else is going on other than 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 The worlds best ultramarathons.

This year, the Festival Village’s Main Stage will host first-class fitness sessions and entertainment from local group exercise gurus, bands and DJs. At the House of Fitness, you’ll also be able to take part in anything from '90s-themed barre and carnival dance classes to postnatal strength sessions. The House of Ministry, too, will offer a wide range of wellness and self-care sessions such as Pilates and sound baths.

In the Festival Village you’ll also find a family fun zone, all kinds sports activities and the Market on the Marshes, where you can shop local artisanal foods, drinks and fitness merchandise.

You can find the full festival schedules here.