What began as a local running event in 2014 has now transformed into one of London’s biggest celebrations of community, fitness and culture. The Hackney Half Marathon returns in 2025 with a record-breaking weekend on the horizon – and a well-thought-out ‘Lime bike plan’ to manage the influx of enthusiastic attendees.
Reflecting on last year’s event, Ian Allerton, the race’s long-standing director, recalls the moment the sheer scale of the event truly hit home. “I think we knew we’d made it when what felt like every Lime bike in London turned up,” he says, describing the flood of electric bikes that ended up scattered across Mabley Green near the Hackney Marshes.
This year, those logistics are under control. “We’ve worked with Lime and local authorities on a proper plan for parking and redistribution,” says Allerton. “It’s one of those weird but wonderful problems – a sign of how far we’ve come.”
The numbers speak for themselves. Around 25,000 runners are expected to take on the half marathon course on Sunday, with an additional 6,000 participating in Saturday’s 5km community run. Over 1,500 children will also join in through the primary schools’ challenge, with tens of thousands more soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the event village, complete with food, music, arts, and free activities.
Katie Fried, who oversees community outreach, is especially proud of how inclusive the weekend has become. “It gives everyone the opportunity to get involved – not just those doing the half marathon. It’s about making the event accessible to the entire community.”
The Hackney Half has become a symbol of running’s growing popularity across Britain – particularly amongst younger, more socially connected crowds. While the London Marathon remains the capital’s most prestigious race, Hackney has carved out a unique identity. With its eclectic vibe, strong community feel, and growing cultural footprint, it’s now firmly embedded in the city’s sporting and social calendars.
“Hackney is this brilliantly weird and creative hub,” says Allerton. “There’s a genuine energy to the area, and that’s reflected in the event itself. It’s not just about running – it’s about music, art, and togetherness.”
That popularity, however, brings fresh challenges. The 16,000 general entry spots for this year’s race sold out in days. Interest in 2026 is already growing, and Allerton admits there may come a point when a ballot system – like the London Marathon’s – is required.
“If 200,000 people are all trying to buy 15,000 tickets at the same time, you have to ask whether a ballot becomes the fairest solution,” he says. “But we’re still committed to maintaining the experience – we won’t sacrifice that for more numbers.”
In the meantime, organisers are considering a modest capacity increase to around 28,000–30,000 in coming years, mindful of Hackney’s transport and infrastructure limitations.
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Among this year’s most inspiring participants are the 36 members of the newly launched Hackney Academy – a training programme designed for local residents new to running or returning after setbacks. One of them is Nuray Temiz, who began running in her thirties but was sidelined by a breast cancer diagnosis in 2022.
“Some days I couldn’t even get out of bed,” she says. “Running has always been my ‘me time’, and joining the Academy helped me feel like myself again.”
Nuray has trained for 12 weeks alongside her fellow Academy members, with the support of her two sons, who’ll be handing out jelly babies from their home along the route. “You can’t go through something like this alone,” she says. “Hackney Academy came at the perfect time. It’s shown me the power of community.”
The Hackney Half continues to grow – not just in numbers, but in impact. For many, it’s more than a race. It’s a homecoming, a celebration, and, most importantly, a reminder that sport can change lives.
