The Wizz Air Hackney Half 2025 is around the corner, with the borough getting ready for a celebration of running as 25,000 people take on the 13-mile race.
Alongside the half marathon, Hackney Marshes will be transformed into the Hackney Moves festival, with free entertainment, music and fitness sessions delivered to runners and spectators, completing a fun-filled weekend that epitomises the vibrant spirit of the East London borough.
Whether you’re taking part or going along to support, here is absolutely everything you need to know to make the most of the Hackney Moves weekend.
When is it?
The half marathon is on Sunday 18 May with the first runners setting off at 09:00, with final finishers crossing the line at 13:30. There will be large crowds in the festival village so runners should arrive a minimum of one hour before their start time.
Runners must collect their event pack on Friday or Saturday from the event village, unless already received by post.
The wider festival is open on both the Saturday (09:00 – 18:00) and Sunday (07:00 – 16:00).
Where is it?
Starting and ending on Hackney Marshes, the route for the Wizz Air Hackney Half 2025 includes Mare Street Market, the famous town hall, Hackney Wick, Hackney Picturehouse, Victoria Park, and the Hackney Empire.
Where to watch?
There is so much for spectators to see during the race, from spotting your runner to catching DJs and dance groups at various checkpoints along the route.
The full route is available here which details a spectator walking route that helps avoid crossing.
Who’s running?
A host of stars are set to take on the half marathon again this year including mother and son duo, Ross and Diane, from Traitors season 2. YouTubers WillNE, Reev and Lewis Bowden will also be competing, as well as TikTok sensation ItalianBach.
Festival lineup
The full Hackney Moves festival lineup is available here to help plan your weekend out in the Hackney sunshine. The free festival is a brilliant day out for families, with activities and entertainment for all ages on offer across the weekend.
Fitness sessions and live music will take place on the main stages while group exercises and other activities will be offered across the event village. A host of traders will be onsite, too, providing local food and drink, fitness merchandise and so much more.
Official Hackney Moves Community Champions and Partner organisations will also have presence in the event village and on route, for people to find out more and sign up to get involved in their fitness initiatives.
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 on the morning of Hackney Moves.
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.
Event partners
Several new partners will be present on race day, including Tinder – with a Tinder Zone on route for runners to experience. Tribe, Hoop Chips, VITHIT and Powerade will also have stations in the event village while also providing fuel to those taking on the half marathon.
How to register for 2026
The Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon is as popular as ever selling out in just two weeks last year. 2026 entries go live exclusively to finishers on race day before going to those who have signed up for early access, so it is highly recommended hopeful participants register their interest now.
To find out more, visit: https://www.hackneymoves.com/
