The HOKA Hackney Moves festival takes place this weekend with 27,000 ready to take part in the headline half marathon on Sunday.
Here is everything you need to know whether you’re running, spectating or getting involved in the fitness festival across the entire weekend.
What running events are taking place?
The HOKA Hackney Half as always is on the Sunday, but this year it is being preceded by four other races. Saturday hosts the HOKA Hackney 5k, a free to enter run with waves of runners making their way around Hackney Marshes, while the HOKA Hackney Schools’ Challenge sees one thousand young runners run the final mile of an ongoing running challenge.
On Friday, the brand-new HOKA Hackney Trail 5k will see runners run a point-to-point race through the park before finishing on the half marathon finish line. Kicking it all off on Thursday is Hackney Quarter, a 10k night run in Stratford delivered in partnership with Friday Night Lights, with a rave waiting for runners at the finish line.
When does the half marathon start?
The first runners set off at 09:00 with all runners crossing the start line by around 10:30am. It will be extremely busy in the festival village where participants can utilise the bag drop facilities, so be sure to arrive one hour before your start time so you can be ready to go for your wave.
Weather forecast
The weather is predicted to be heavy drizzle and around 16° so be sure to prepare accordingly. Ensure to bring a warm layer for after you’ve finished the event, a cap to help keep your eyes protected from water and to keep hydrated despite how cool you may feel.
All clothes left in the start pen will be donated local Hackney charities if you wanted to wear extra layers up until the last minute.
Participant Tracking
Download the HOKA Hackney Moves app to track your own or someone you’re spectating’s time and location. The route begins and ends on Hackney Marshes before winding 13.1 miles through iconic Hackney locations like Mare Street Market and past the town hall, Hackney Picturehouse and Hackney Empire.
Bib collection
If you opted to collect your bib, you can grab it from the Help Desk at Hackney Marshes on Friday (16:00-19:30) or Saturday (09:00-17:00). You will need your ID and QR code to collect your bib.
Spectator route
A route has been created for supporters to use and offers the chance to see their runner at three different points. Visit the race day guide at https://www.hackneymoves.com/ to view the supporter map and plan your day.
Festival
Hackney Marshes will host the festival event village with food and drink, live music and entertainment and a family fun zone. From high-energy classes like Drum & Bass Boxing and Fight Klub, to Zumba, F.I.T Jam and HulaFit, there’s something for everyone across its three stages.
Travel
Tube:
Stratford Station – 25-minute walk through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Leyton Station – 20-minute walk
Overground:
Hackney Wick – 25-minute walk
Clapton – 30-minute walk
Homerton Station will be closed in the morning.
Car: Not recommended due to road closures, but paid parking is available at Westfield Stratford City which is a 25-minute walk away.
Bike or on foot: Organisers recommend cycling, walking or using an e-bike to attend, with bike rack facilities next to the event village.
