The inaugural Saucony Run Shoreditch Half Marathon is set for Sunday, September 20, 2026, and the race is completely sold out. Organised by the team behind the Hackney Half, this new 13.1-mile event aims to replicate that race's festival atmosphere, complete with DJs, live music, and street food. Runners will start from Shoreditch Park, with the event village opening at 7:30am.
Start Times and Race Pens
Individual start times are based on predicted finish times. Participants have been assigned to pens from A to F, with staggered departures between 9:00am and 9:45am. The specific windows are: Pen A-B from 9:00am to 9:10am, Pen C-D from 9:10am to 9:25am, and Pen E-F from 9:25am to 9:45am.
The course takes runners from Shoreditch Park up Southgate Road, around Essex Road, and past Canonbury. It then continues up Green Lanes, by Clissold Park, and loops back down through Stoke Newington, Newington Green, De Beauvoir, and Hoxton.
Getting There and Route Amenities
The nearest stations to the event village are Hoxton and Haggerston on the Windrush line, and Old Street on the Northern line and National Rail, all roughly a 10-15 minute walk away. Road closures begin at 6am on Sunday, which may cause bus diversions. E-bike riders will find designated parking zones, with locations available on their provider's app.
Five aid stations, all with toilets, are positioned along the route. Water cups and refills are available at miles 3.5, 6.5, and 11.1. OTE energy gels are provided at mile 8.3, and water bottles at mile 8.8.
Spectator Spots, Tracking, and Post-Race Deals
Organisers recommend Newington Green as a prime spectator spot, as runners pass through three times. Other suggested viewing areas include Balls Pond Road, Downham Road, and the edges of Clissold Park. The official Saucony Run Shoreditch App, available on the App Store and Google Play, allows friends and family to track runners using their bib numbers.
Participants can drop bags from 7:30am, with pickup required by 2pm, and the location depends on race number. The weather forecast predicts a maximum of 23°C with light drizzle. After finishing, runners can claim exclusive deals by showing their medal at local businesses, including a free first drink at Great Beyond Brewing Co, 30% off hot coffees at Leigh's, 20% off food and drink at Mare Street Market, a free Tegernseer beer at Seven Seasons, buy-one-get-one-free gelato at Romeo & Giulietta, 25% off services at Shoreditch Nails, and 25% off pizza at Sweet Thursday. Additional deals, such as a free acai bowl at Rawlala and a free fried chicken sandwich at Arties Sarnies, are available through the Appetite App.
