THIS ROUTE IS FOR YOU, HACKNEY. HERE’S YOUR FIRST LOOK AT THE NEW 2020 ROUTE THAT WILL ADD A SPARK TO YOUR HEEL AND A SMILE TO YOUR 13.1 MILE JOURNEY THROUGH EAST LONDON.
Are you ready to join us? We listened to your feedback and have made a few tweaks, so grab one of our last remaining race entries and check out the green sections of the route below that highlight new additions.
2020 Hackney Half route map – Click to download high res PDF>>
For 2020 we wanted to hype all things that make Hackney iconic, allowing more room for the community to get involved and spectators to cheer while letting runners immerse themselves in this quintessentially unique area. From graffiti walls to canal views, this route is our best yet.
Here’s where you’ll move through in 2020…
No more mile 12 hill climb: We’re adding more steps through Hackney Central and Hackney Wick. This addition will give your squad more opportunity to see you run and cheer you on as you move through the streets. This also means we’ve removed that surprise hill at mile 12 – you asked… we listened!
Make moves along the canal: Let the sight of the canal and iconic cylindrical towers keep you moving just after mile 8 on Andrews Road. Loop back around on Ada Street and run onto one of East London’s foodie hot spots, Broadway Market, lined with homegrown pubs, eateries and everything else in between. There really are no ends that could move you more.
Additional run along leafy green Victoria Park: This year you can soak up more of picturesque Victoria Park along Gore Road. Dash past unbeatable views of London’s most visited green space before you hit the Hackney Wick streets where it will be popping off!
Running through Hackney Wick: In our opinion, the most vibrant addition! Home to industrial spaces, graffiti coloured walls, eccentric cafes and eateries, this section of the route will bring all the vibes. Hot tip: Cheer Dem Crew will be stationed along here with all the Cheer Dem Spirit!
Pumped yet? Ian Allerton, Hackney Half Race Director, shares what makes the new additions so great:
We’ve designed the 2020 route to use more streets within Hackney this year, offering loads of great new spots for spectators to line the route and cheer on the thousands of runners. The new sections – alongside the canal, taking in more views of Victoria Park and the hype through Hackney Wick – makes this the best Hackney route we’ve ever had!
Ian Allerton, Hackney Half Race Director
Well, we can’t wait! Keep an eye out for our route entertainment announcement where we’ll let you know all the bands and DJs helping you move from start to finish. As well as partners who will be giving you some extra motivation.
In the meantime, keep pounding the pavement and getting those miles in. Half the challenge of hitting personal health goals lies in the kitchen so check out top nutrition tips from our friends at Mindful Chef. Read top tips on how to eat properly for race day here>>
You can also get 25% off your first 4 Mindful Chef healthy recipe boxes with a special offer for Virgin Sport runners – click here to redeem>>
You can also meet your Hackney Half pacer by joining Virgin Sport’s upcoming training sessions. Find out more and register here>>
Tickets for the Hackney Half are on sale now! Taking place on 17 May. Visit virginsport.com/hackney