The Hackney Half Marathon is much more than just a running race. Known for its motivational live entertainment and DJ sets along the route, the HOKA Half (as it is called this year due to sponsorship) is one of London's most sought-after running events. The 2026 edition takes place this coming weekend as the highlight of the two-day Hackney Moves festival. The 13.1-mile course winds through Homerton, Dalston, Haggerston, and London Fields, passing iconic east London green spaces such as Hackney Downs and Victoria Park. Whether you are running or cheering from the sidelines, you will want to know the essential timings and locations. Below is a guide to all start times and how to track runners.
When is the 2026 Hackney Half Marathon?
The race is on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The festival village on Hackney Marshes opens at 7:00 AM, with bag drop starting at 7:30 AM. The race begins at 9:00 AM, and the cut-off time is 2:00 PM.
How many waves are there at the start?
There are eight waves of entrants, divided into four pens at the start. Participants already know their pen letter, which is either A, B, C, D, E, F, G, or H. If you wish to join a different wave on the day, note that you can only join a pen that starts after your allotted time. For example, runners in pen A can join pen C, but those in pen F cannot move up to run with pen B.
What are the wave start times?
Here are the start times for each pen letter:
- Pens A and B: Arrive 7:20 AM – 7:45 AM, move into start pen 8:20 AM – 8:40 AM, start 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM
- Pens C and D: Arrive 7:45 AM – 8:10 AM, move into start pen 8:40 AM – 9:00 AM, start 9:20 AM – 9:40 AM
- Pens E and F: Arrive 8:10 AM – 8:30 AM, move into start pen 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM, start 9:40 AM – 10:00 AM
- Pens G and H: Arrive 8:30 AM – 8:50 AM, move into start pen 9:20 AM – 9:40 AM, start 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
Where does the Hackney Half Marathon start and finish?
Conveniently, unlike the London Marathon, the Hackney Half starts and finishes in the same location: Hackney Marshes.
How to track the runners
You can follow a participant's progress by downloading the HOKA Hackney Moves app. You will need the runner's number (only digits, not letters) to track them. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
What is the weather forecast?
The forecast is not ideal. The Met Office predicts that Sunday morning will have light winds of around 6 mph and occasional sunshine, but there is a 70% chance of rain. Runners are advised to wear grippy shoes and a peak cap. If bringing a phone, use a waterproof pouch. It is also wise to bring a dry change of clothes for after the race.
Freebies and perks
Many east London institutions will offer freebies, perks, and afterparties for runners on Sunday. These include free pints, yoga sessions, and goodie bags. A full list of participating businesses is available online.
