The Hackney Half Marathon returns this Sunday, May 17, 2026, bringing tens of thousands of runners to East London's streets. As the capital's largest half marathon, the 13.1-mile course winds through Hackney, starting and ending at Hackney Marshes, and passing Hackney Downs, London Fields, and Victoria Park. With over 27,000 participants and countless spectators, road closures are necessary to ensure safety.
When is the Hackney Half Marathon 2026?
The event takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The first wave of runners sets off at 9am, and the race is expected to conclude by midday. Most roads will be closed from 6:30am and begin reopening from 12:45pm, with all roads open to vehicles by 4pm. Parking suspensions will be in effect from midnight until 4pm, clearly signposted.
Full List of Road Closures and Parking Suspensions
The following roads will be closed or partially closed, with parking suspensions as indicated:
- Amhurst Road (parking suspension)
- Andrews Road
- Bayford Street (parking suspension)
- Berkshire Road (parking suspension)
- Brooksby's Walk
- Cadogan Terrace (parking suspension)
- Cecilia Road
- Colvestone Crescent
- Cricketfield Road (parking suspension)
- Dalston Lane (parking suspension)
- Downs Road (parking suspension)
- Downs Park Road (parking suspension)
- Eastway
- Goldsmiths Row (parking suspension)
- Gore Road (parking suspension)
- Graham Road (parking suspension)
- Gransden Avenue (parking suspension)
- Grove Road
- Haggerston Road (parking suspension)
- Helmsley Place (parking suspension)
- Hepscott Road (parking suspension)
- Homerton High Street (parking suspension)
- Homerton Road (parking suspension)
- Kay Street (parking suspension)
- Kenworthy Road
- Lamb Lane (parking suspension)
- Lauriston Road (parking suspension)
- Lee Conservancy Road (parking suspension)
- London Lane (parking suspension)
- Lower Clapton Road (parking suspension)
- Mare Street
- Marsh Hill (parking suspension)
- Mentmore Terrace (parking suspension)
- Middleton Road (parking suspension)
- Monier Road
- Morning Lane (parking suspension)
- Osborne Road (parking suspension)
- Paragon Road
- Pembury Road (parking suspension)
- Ponsford Street
- Pritchard's Road (parking suspension)
- Queensbridge Road
- Queensdown Road (parking suspension)
- Rectory Road (parking suspension)
- Rothbury Road
- Sandringham Road
- Scriven Street
- Semley Gate (parking suspension)
- Shacklewell Lane (parking suspension)
- Sheep Lane (parking suspension)
- Sidworth Street (parking suspension)
- St Mark's Rise (parking suspension)
- Teale Street (parking suspension)
- Urswick Road (parking suspension)
- Valette Street (parking suspension)
- Victoria Park Road (parking suspension)
- Wallis Road (parking suspension)
- Wansbeck Road
- Warburton Road (parking suspension)
- Westgate Street (parking suspension)
- Whiston Road (parking suspension)
- White Post Lane (parking suspension)
- Wick Lane
Other Closures
Homerton station will be closed to eastbound trains from 7am to 11am on race day. Use Hackney Wick station as an alternative.
Best Spectator Spots
For the best atmosphere, head to entertainment points along the route:
- Miles 1 and 4.6: DJ Trucks – Tune Trucks
- Mile 1.6: Hosen Brass Band
- Miles 2.1 and 4.2: DJ G
- Mile 3.1: La MixTrax Band
- Mile 5.3: Hackney Empire Choir
- Mile 6.2: Pop Choir
- Mile 6.9: Pantonic Orchestra
- Mile 8: Brass Bound
Plan your journey and enjoy the race!
