Hackney half marathon returns
The Hackney Half Marathon is set to relaunch this spring offering a bigger and better race day experience for runners, spectators and local residents.
Entries are now open for this year’s event, which will take place on 30 April 2017.
Virgin Sport, part of the Virgin Group and organisers of the event, will build upon Run Hackney to create a new festival of sport: Virgin Sport Hackney.
The festival of sport will provide something for everyone, including professional athletes, new runners and local families. As well as the 13.1 mile half marathon course through Hackney’s most famous landmarks, there will be a new Chase Your Mate 5.5k closed race event adding a fun, competitive element to the day, plus a free fitness and yoga boot camp on Hackney Marshes. In addition the School Challenge will be returning, offering local children the chance to be part of the excitement.
The early-bird entry offer been extended until Tuesday 28 February, and to ensure as many local people as possible can take part, the Council has secured some special offers and free tickets for Hackney residents. There are 1,000 free places available for the ‘Chase Your Mate’ event; there is a 50% concession entry rate for those in receipt of benefits or in full time education and we have 250 free places for the half marathon. Details of how to apply for all of the free tickets will be available soon.
Since we first launched the annual half marathon in Hackney four years ago, residents have really taken it to their hearts. I’ve heard lots of stories of people who’ve been inspired to take up running as a result of seeing all of the runners take to the street for the Hackney half; it’s an atmosphere like no other.
We’re pleased to be working with Virgin Sport to continue this tradition. The sports festival opens up even more opportunities to encourage local people to take up exercise, as well as showing off everything our borough has to offer visitors.
As part of its commitment to give back to the local community, Virgin Sport will be working with Youth Sports Trust to identify and support local programmes that use sport to create positive social physical and emotional change for young people.
To find out more about Virgin Sport and to register for upcoming events, visit www.virginsport.com, or to contact the team direct call 0800 044 8000 or hello@virginsport.com.