The Hackney Half Marathon, London's largest half marathon, is set to take place this Sunday, May 17, 2026, with 26,000 runners participating in the 13-mile race. The event begins at 9:00 AM and will guide participants through key areas of East London, including Homerton, Dalston, and London Fields.
Route Map and Start Times
Runners will start in waves from Hackney Marshes between 9:00 AM and 10:20 AM. The start times are as follows:
- Group A/B: 9:00 AM - 9:20 AM
- Group C/D: 9:20 AM - 9:40 AM
- Group E/F: 9:40 AM - 10:00 AM
- Group G/H: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
The course travels through Homerton, Dalston, and London Fields, then heads toward Victoria Park and Hackney Wick, finishing back at Hackney Marshes.
Public Transport Access
Runners and spectators are advised to use public transport. Nearby stations include:
- Tube: Stratford Station (25-minute walk through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park), Leyton Station (20-minute walk)
- Overground: Hackney Wick (20-minute walk), Clapton (30-minute walk), Homerton (25-minute walk)
Note that Homerton station will be closed to eastbound trains from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on race day. Passengers should use Hackney Wick station instead.
Road Closures
Several roads across Hackney will be closed or partially closed from 6:30 AM, reopening in stages between 12:45 PM and 4:00 PM. Hackney Council will suspend enforcement of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) to reduce disruption. Affected roads include:
- A-F: Amhurst Road, Andrews Road, Bayford Street, Berkshire Road, Brooksby's Walk, Cadogan Terrace, Cecilia Road, Colvestone Crescent, Cricketfield Road, Dalston Lane, Downs Road, Downs Park Road, Eastway
- G-O: Goldsmiths Row, Gore Road, Graham Road, Gransden Avenue, Grove Road, Haggerston Road, Helmsley Place, Hepscott Road, Homerton High Street, Homerton Road, Kay Street, Kenworthy Road, Lamb Lane, Lauriston Road, Lee Conservancy Road, London Lane, Lower Clapton Road, Mare Street, Marsh Hill, Mentmore Terrace, Middleton Road, Monier Road, Morning Lane, Osborne Road
- P-S: Paragon Road, Pembury Road, Ponsford Street, Pritchard's Road, Queensbridge Road, Queensdown Road, Rectory Road, Rothbury Road, Sandringham Road, Scriven Street, Semley Gate, Shacklewell Lane, Sheep Lane, Sidworth Street, St Mark's Rise
- T-Z: Teale Street, Urswick Road, Valette Street, Victoria Park Road, Wallis Road, Wansbeck Road, Warburton Road, Westgate Street, Whiston Road, White Post Lane, Wick Lane
How to Register for Hackney Half 2027
Registration for the 2027 Hackney Half is not yet open, but interested runners can sign up to receive updates via email. The 2026 ballot sold out in just two days, so early registration is recommended.
Additionally, the two-day festival Hackney Moves will take place at Hackney Marshes, offering free entertainment, music, and fitness sessions for families and spectators. DJs, singers, and bands will be stationed at every mile of the route to motivate runners.
