New half-marathon hopes to follow footsteps of Olympics

Run Hackney. Picture: Anthony Upton

Run Hackney. Picture: Anthony Upton

The first council-funded half marathon, Run Hackney,  has launched in the borough.

For the first time ever, Hackney’s roads will be closed to accommodate the 21-kilometre run. The event will take place on June 22.

Councillor Feryal Demirci, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “I’m delighted that we’re now able to announce that Hackney’s first ever large scale half marathon will take place this June, and I can’t wait.”

Referring to the 2012 Olympic Games, Demirci said that the marathon will be an event where people can “tread in the footsteps of great athletes and celebrate their own achievements, as first timers, fun runners or seasoned competitors.”

The race will begin at Hackney Marshes before passing through Hackney Empire, Broadway Market, London Fields and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Run Hackney has many partners including Hackney Council, Cancer Research UK and East End Community Foundation. Runners will be able to race and raise money for whichever charity they choose.

The Run Hackney half marathon is the first of a series of charity runs taking place over the summer, including the Unity Fitness and Dance half marathon.

Dates and registration can be accessed on the Run Hackney website.

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