The Hackney Half marathon is set to light up East London this May, and the borough is buzzing with anticipation. With 25,000 runners ready to tackle 13 miles of Hackney’s most iconic streets, this year’s Wizz Air Hackney Half 2025 promises to be bigger, bolder and brimming with local flavour.
A Festival for Every Pace
Beyond the pounding sneakers and cheering crowds, Hackney Marshes transforms into the Hackney Moves festival, a free-for-all celebration of music, movement and merriment.
Expect pulsating DJ sets, family-friendly fitness sessions and mouth-watering street food from local traders—plus plenty of shaded spots to catch your breath between events. Whether you’re here to run or just soak up the atmosphere, the festival village is open:
- Saturday 17 May: 09:00 – 18:00
- Sunday 18 May: 07:00 – 16:00
Arrive early to collect your event pack (Friday and Saturday collections only, unless you’ve had yours posted to you) and stake out a prime spot for the action.
Sunday Funday: Race Day Details
The main event kicks off at 09:00 on Sunday 18 May, with the final stragglers crossing the finish line by 13:30. Runners should be on site at least one hour before their start wave to navigate the festival crowds and warm up properly. After all, nothing says “I’m ready” like a good dynamic stretch in front of a hyped-up crowd.
The Scenic Route: What You’ll See
Starting and finishing on the wide-open Hackney Marshes, the course takes in:
- Mare Street Market – Savour the buzz of street stalls before you even hit mile one.
- Hackney Town Hall – That grand façade makes a fine backdrop for your mid-race photo.
- Hackney Wick & Picturehouse – A touch of local cinema and artisan breweries to keep you inspired.
- Victoria Park – Lush greenery and a friendly wave from joggers and picnickers.
- Hackney Empire – The iconic theatre’s red brick still stealing the show as you sprint home.
Spectators can follow a detailed walking route around the circuit to catch multiple viewing points without jaywalking—because nothing dampens the vibe like a misplaced lamppost.
Celeb Spotting on the Course
This isn’t just for the pros. Reality stars Ross and Diane (yes, that mother-and-son duo from Traitors Season 2) will be lacing up alongside YouTubers WillNE, Reev and Lewis Bowden. TikTok’s very own ItalianBach is also in the mix, proving that the Hackney Half marathon draws a crowd as eclectic as the borough itself.
Hackney Moves: More Than Just Running
If you’re more into yoga than a PB, the festival’s packed programme of free classes—from high-octane HIIT to zen-like stretch sessions—has you covered.
Official Hackney Moves Community Champions and partner organisations will be on hand with info on local health initiatives and sign-ups for year-round activities. And when you need a refuel, stations run by Tribe, Hoop Chips, VITHIT and Powerade will top up both runners and festival-goers alike.
Getting There (Without a Hitch)
With roads closed for race safety, cars are a last resort—though Westfield Stratford City offers paid parking a brisk 25-minute walk away if you must. Instead, hop on the tube or overground:
- Tube: Stratford (25-minute walk), Leyton (20 minutes)
- Overground: Hackney Wick (25 minutes), Clapton (30 minutes)
- Bike/Walk: Highly recommended, with bike racks dotted around the event village
Homerton Station will be closed on Sunday morning, so plan accordingly.
Looking Ahead: Don’t Miss 2026
Entries for the 2026 Hackney Half marathon sold out in a flash last year—two weeks flat—so organisers are giving finishers first dibs on race-day registrations before opening up to their early-access list. If you want in on next year’s action, head to hackneymoves.com now and register your interest.
From the starting horn to the post-race party on Hackney Marshes, the Wizz Air Hackney Half 2025 delivers a weekend that’s as colourful as the community it celebrates.
Lace up, roll up, and join in—this is one race you won’t want to miss.
