Residents run free as spaces go up for grabs for Virgin Sport Hackney
Hackney residents can secure one of 250 free places in this year's Hackney half marathon, or be one of 1,000 running for free in a shorter 5.5k ‘Chase Your Mate’ race.
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, taking place on Sunday 30 April.
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 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 free places have been secured by Hackney Council and are available to the borough’s residents. With the 1,000 free places for the ‘Chase Your Mate’ race it is hoped that more Hackney residents than ever before will be running the 5.5k.
Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and can be claimed between Friday 10 and Tuesday 21 February, applications will close sooner if places are all allocated before the deadline. Local residents can apply for one place each.
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.
Due to the age limit applied to the events, residents applying for a 5.5k place must be aged 15 years or over and those applying for half marathon places must be 17 years or over.
To apply for a place please email park.events@hackney.gov.uk, if you are applying for a resident place please state your name and postcode within the body of the email.
Please note the Council will only be able to respond to those who are successful in securing a free place, all those who do secure a place will be notified by 5pm on Wednesday 22 February.
In addition to the free spaces available there is a 50% concession entry rate on full price entries for residents who are in receipt of benefits or in full time education. To claim your discount please contact Virgin Sport via email hello@virginsport.com or call 0800 044 8000.
To find out more about Virgin Sport Hackney, visit www.virginsport.com, or contact the team direct on 0800 044 8000 or email hello@virginsport.com.