Vitality Run Hackney Half Marathon takes place this Sunday. Pic: Captive Minds PR
The Vitality Run Hackney half marathon is taking place this Sunday bringing over 12,500 runners to the Borough.
The map below shows the marathon route, which begins and ends on Hackney Marsh with runners passing through Hackney Downs, Hackney Empire, and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Some major roads on the route will be closed for the marathon from 7am and will start to reopen from 11.30am, with all roads fully open from 1pm.
To kick off the weekend’s events, the Run Hackney 5k is taking place on Saturday, giving runners who do not think they can manage 13 miles a shorter option. Hackney Council Corporate Director Health & Community Services Kim Wright said: “This is a really important part of Vitality Run Hackney; we want as many people as possible to get involved and this is a great opportunity to give running a go. If you don’t feel ready for the half marathon, this is your chance to set yourself a challenge and enjoy all the fun and atmosphere of Vitality Run Hackney at a more comfortable pace and distance.”
Councillor Jonathan Mcshane of Hackney Council proposed the idea for the Hackney 5k and the Half Marathon in order to encourage local people to take part in physical activity and promote a healthier lifestyle throughout the Borough. The councillor, who will run the half-marathon himself said: “The sight of ten thousand people running through Hackney, whether to get fit, raise money for charity or simply for the challenge will be really inspiring.”
Run Hackney is now among the top-ten half marathons in England and had over 10,000 sign-ups in one week. This makes it one of the fastest growing events of its kind. The event is being organised by GO2, spokesperson Jamie Warren said: “We are delighted to add Run Hackney to our growing portfolio of UK half marathons. So far, the entry numbers and profile of the race have exceeded our expectations for year one, and we’re hugely grateful to Hackney Borough Council for their support and ambition.”
Participants will be raising funds for local and national charities. While fundraising is an important part of the event, Mcshane said the marathon will also work as part of Hackney’s promise to foster an Olympics legacy by incorporating the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park into the race.
