Various running groups and non-running community organisations are collaborating to help improve accessibility to London’s biggest half marathon.
The Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon has become an iconic race, selling out in a record two weeks, and this year more than thirty groups have signed up to help shape the future of the event.
From 17 – 18 May, the Hackney Moves festival takes over Hackney Marshes, with thousands coming together for a celebration of both the area and the runners taking on the half marathon challenge.
Groups from Hackney, and across wider London, will be attending the event and working with the organisers to help better understand the barriers to entry, to improve accessibility moving forward.
Ten local running clubs are signed up as Community Partners and more than twenty community organisations as Community Champions. Their runners have access to one thousand discounted places in the half marathon, enhancing inclusivity and targeting Hackney residents.
The ten Community Partner clubs are Athene Club, BADU, Black Girls Do Run UK, Coffee Run Hackney, Deaf Run Club, London Frontrunners, Mafia Moves, Queer Running Club, sheRUNS and The Outrunners.
All Community Partners will be onsite at a community hub, providing a space for people to find out about the work they do and get involved with their initiatives.
Kole Fulmine, Head Coach and Founder at Queer Running Club, said: “We are so excited to be a Community Partner of Hackney Moves this year, as a local club we’ve been running the Hackney Half for six years.
“To be recognised as a queer and trans collective and to run on our home ground filling the streets of Hackney with our diversity is more important than ever for us as a community. Hackney, get ready to cheer for your favourite queer and trans runners.”
Hackney Children and Baby Bank Coordinator, Jane Simpson, said: “We’re delighted to be a Community Champion in this year’s Hackney Half and to have secured places at the reduced community rate.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to raise vital funds and shine a light on the work we do at Hackney Children and Baby Bank. Every runner helps us reach more families in need by increasing both item donations and financial support.”
Registration is now open for the Community 5k which takes place on the Saturday before the half marathon, with the Partners and Champions given access to an exclusive wave for their participants.
Event organisers, Motiv Sports, hope to expand their community network and initiatives, establishing lasting partnerships with these groups in 2026 and beyond, as the Hackney Moves festival continues to grow.
