Hackney half marathon 2024: What is the route, where are the road closures?

The Hackney Half Marathon is taking place this weekend, with over 20,000 runners set to take on the 13.1 mile challenge.

The Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon is London’s largest and most popular half marathon, and part of the annual two-day Hackney Moves festival across May 20-21.

From the route to road closures, here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Hackney Half Marathon.

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When does the Hackney Half Marathon take place?

The Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon takes place on Sunday May 19 and will take in all the sights and sounds of Hackney.

How long is the Hackney Half Marathon?

The Hackney Half Marathon is 13.1 miles long.

This is exactly half the distance of a full marathon (26.2 miles).

What is the route?

The Half Marathon starts in Hackney Marshes and covers a flat route through Hackney, showing off the borough’s many green spaces.

Miles 1-5: The race starts at the southern end of the Hackney Marshes and heads west along Homerton High Street. The route loops around Hackney Downs leading towards Hackney Central.

Miles 5-8: The course passes in front of the Hackney Empire, trails west along Graham Road, and moves south on Queensbridge Rd into Haggerston. Runners are going to reach Stonebridge Gardens before heading east past Haggerston Park.

Miles 8-9: Now more than halfway, the route crosses the Regents Canal taking in some iconic areas of Hackney including Broadway Market & London Fields, before turning onto Victoria Park Road.

Miles 10-11: Running alongside Victoria Park and through Laurieston Village, runners rejoin Victoria Park Road and pass Well Street Common before turning south onto Cadogan Terrace.

Miles 12-13: Passing under the A12, runners enter Hackney Wick, passing its iconic graffiti, and trendy bars and cafes. The race finishes up back in Hackney Marshes.

What roads will be closed?

All roads around the route will close at 06:30, ready for the Hackney Half to begin at 9am. 

Roads will begin to re-open from 12.45pm, once runners have passed by and when it is safe and feasible to do so and all roads will have re-opened by 3pm. 

The roads closed during this period are as follows.

Ada Street, Amhurst Road, Andrews Road, Bayford Street, Berkshire Road, Broadway Market, Brooksby’s Walk, Cadogan Terrace, Cecilia Road, Colvestone Crescent, Cricketfield Road, Dalston Lane, Down’s Road, Eastway, Goldsmiths Row, Gore Road, Graham Road, Gransden Avenue, Grove Road, Haggerston Road, Hepscott Road, Homerton High Street, Homerton Road, Kay Street, Kenworthy Road, Lamb Lane, Lauriston Road, Lee Conservancy Road, London Lane, Lower Clapton Road, Mare Street, Marsh Hill, Mentmore Terrace, Middleton Road, Monier Road, Morning Lane, Osborne Road, Paragon Road, Pembury Road, Ponsford Street, Pritchard’s Road, Queensbridge Road, Queensdown Road, Rectory Road, Rothbury Road, Sandringham Road, Scriven Street, Semley Gate, Shacklewell Lane, Sheep Lane, Sidworth Street, St Mark’s Rise, Teale Street, Urswick Road, Valette Street, Victoria Park Road, Wallis Road, Wansbeck Road, Warburton Road, Westgate Street, Whiston Road, White Post Lane, Wick Lane

To stay updated on any changes, and further traffic and access information, visit @HackneyMoves on Twitter or visit  https://www.hackneymoves.com/event-information-2024

Hackney Moves Festival

The Hackney Moves Festival will take place on Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19 offering free entertainment and activities.

This year, the Festival Village’s Main Stage will host first-class fitness sessions and entertainment from local group exercise gurus, bands and DJs.

At the House of Fitness, you’ll also be able to take part in anything from '90s-themed barre and carnival dance classes to postnatal strength sessions. 

The House of Ministry, too, will offer a wide range of wellness and self-care sessions such as Pilates and sound baths. You can find the full festival schedules here.

For running enthusiasts who have missed out on taking part in the Hackney Half Marathon this weekend can register their interest for next year’s event here.