
Hackney Moves Festival returns on May 16–17, 2026, transforming Hackney Marshes into a vibrant movement and culture hub for East London. The weekend starts with the free Hackney 5K on Saturday, May 16 at 09:00 AM—open to participants aged 13 and up, welcoming runners, walkers, and fans of festive community fun. The highlight on Sunday, May 17 is the Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon, attracting more than 20,000 runners. The half marathon offers a flat, fast, and scenic course through Hackney’s urban tapestry—passing landmarks like Hackney Downs, Broadway Market, Hackney Wick, and Victoria Park—enhanced with street art murals, local entertainment, and live music on route. Following the race, the Festival Village on Hackney Marshes hosts wellness zones, live DJs, fitness workshops, food vendors, and community stalls.
Races
Half Marathon
5 km
Race Date:
17 May, 2026
The Hackney Half Marathon features a fast, flat 13.1-mile route past East London icons like Hackney Wick, Broadway Market, and Hackney Town Hall—with DJs, drummers, and cheering crowds lining the course. Produced by Hackney Moves, it takes place on Sunday, 17 May 2026, with a mass start at 9:00 AM and a 3.5-hour cutoff, starting and finishing at Hackney Marshes.
Race Date:
16 May, 2026
The Hackney 5K is a free, open-access 5 km road run through Hackney’s buzzing streets, filled with music, art, and crowd support—perfect for new runners, families, or festival-goers. Organized by Hackney Moves, it takes place on Saturday, 16 May 2026, starting and finishing at Hackney Marshes, London.
Weather based on historical averages. Route data provided by Strava, based on last year's race.
FAQs
What is the Hackney Half Marathon?
How long is the Hackney Half Marathon?
Where does the Hackney Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Hackney Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Hackney Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Hackney Half Marathon?
The Hackney Half Marathon features a fast, flat 13.1-mile route past East London icons like Hackney Wick, Broadway Market, and Hackney Town Hall—with DJs, drummers, and cheering crowds lining the course. Produced by Hackney Moves, it takes place on Sunday, 17 May 2026, with a mass start at 9:00 AM and a 3.5-hour cutoff, starting and finishing at Hackney Marshes.
The Hackney Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Hackney Half Marathon takes place in Hackney, London, UK.
Runna classifies the Hackney Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Hackney Half Marathon?
The Hackney Half Marathon features a fast, flat 13.1-mile route past East London icons like Hackney Wick, Broadway Market, and Hackney Town Hall—with DJs, drummers, and cheering crowds lining the course. Produced by Hackney Moves, it takes place on Sunday, 17 May 2026, with a mass start at 9:00 AM and a 3.5-hour cutoff, starting and finishing at Hackney Marshes.
How long is the Hackney Half Marathon?
The Hackney Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Hackney Half Marathon take place?
The Hackney Half Marathon takes place in Hackney, London, UK.
What is the elevation gain of the Hackney Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the Hackney Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Hackney Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Hackney Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Hackney 5K?
How long is the Hackney 5K?
Where does the Hackney 5K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Hackney 5K?
How can I prepare for the Hackney 5K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Hackney 5K?
The Hackney 5K is a free, open-access 5 km road run through Hackney’s buzzing streets, filled with music, art, and crowd support—perfect for new runners, families, or festival-goers. Organized by Hackney Moves, it takes place on Saturday, 16 May 2026, starting and finishing at Hackney Marshes, London.
The Hackney 5K is 5km long.
The Hackney 5K takes place in Hackney, London, UK.
Runna classifies the Hackney 5K elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Hackney 5K?
The Hackney 5K is a free, open-access 5 km road run through Hackney’s buzzing streets, filled with music, art, and crowd support—perfect for new runners, families, or festival-goers. Organized by Hackney Moves, it takes place on Saturday, 16 May 2026, starting and finishing at Hackney Marshes, London.
How long is the Hackney 5K?
The Hackney 5K is 5km long.
Where does the Hackney 5K take place?
The Hackney 5K takes place in Hackney, London, UK.
What is the elevation gain of the Hackney 5K?
Runna classifies the Hackney 5K elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Hackney 5K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Hackney 5K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Major City
Nature