This weekend, hundreds of keen runners will be taking to the streets of Hackney to take part in a half marathon.
The Wizz Air Hackney Half is organised by Hackney Moves which plans to offer a weekend of sport, entertainment and celebration in East London.
Along with the Wizz Air Hackney Half, there will also be the Hackney 5k, Schools’ Challenge and the fitness festival.
The now sold-out event will help raise money for a number of charities including Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer's Society, Shelter and many more.
Before the big day, find out everything you need to know about the Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon.
When is the Hackney Half Marathon?
The Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, May 19 with the race starting at 9am.
What is the Hackney Half Marathon route?
The 13.1-mile route will start at Hackney Marshes making its way to the famous Hackney Empire before reaching the Stonebridge Gardens.
It will then pass the halfway points where the runners will cross the Regents Canal, making their way to Victoria Park before the final stretch through Hackney Wick.
Once they have passed the iconic graffiti, trendy bars and cafes of the area, participants face a final push back to Hackney Marshes where they will be greeted by the noise of the crowds to finish their race in style.
You can also see a full map of the route via the website here.
What are the start times of the Hackney Half Marathon?
Racers are encouraged to arrive at the event village at least 60 minutes before their start time.
The start time for each pen is as follows:
- Start Pen A-B 9am-9.20am
- Start Pen C-D 9.20am-9.40am
- Start Pen E-F 9.40am-10am
- Start Pen G-H 10am-10.20am
How to track a runner at the Hackney Half Marathon?
Supporters will be able to track runners via the tracking link available on the Hackney Moves website.
The tracker will only begin once the runner has crossed the start line.
You can see the tracker here.
What celebrities are running the Hackney Half Marathon?
Along the route, you might spot some famous faces including Love Island's Dr Alex George, and British marathon runner Anya Culling.
You can also see YouTube sensation ‘Reev’, along with Auguste Augustinaite, James Warnock, Jonny Davies and ‘Johnny Meatless’.
Where are the best places to watch the Hackney Half Marathon?
There are several spots along the half marathon route where spectators can enjoy the race.
You can see the full breakdown of spectator spots where there will be DJs via the map here.
What roads will be closed for the Hackney Half Marathon?
The following roads will be closed from 6.30am and will begin to re-open later at 12.45pm and fully re-open by 3pm.
The affected roads are as follows:
How to get to the Hackney Half Marathon?
The easiest way to get to the event will be via the Tube, the Festival Village is a 25-minute walk through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from Stratford Station or a 20-minute walk from Leyton Station.
Due to road closures buses will be diverted and it will be difficult to drive in, but paid parking is available at Westfield Stratford City, which is a 25-minute walk from the event.
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