The route takes participants past some iconic Hackney landmarks. They’ll loop around Hackney Downs, pass in front of Hackney Empire, cross Regent’s Canal, go by Broadway Market and London Fields, border Victoria Park and roll through the streets of Hackney Wick. 

MILES 1-5: The race starts at the southern end of the Hackney Marshes and heads west along Homerton High Street. The route loops around Hackney Downs leading towards Hackney Central. 

MILES 5-8: The course passes in front of the famous Hackney Empire, trails west along Graham Road, and moves south on Queensbridge Rd into Haggerston. Runners are going to reach the beautiful Stonebridge Gardens before heading east past Haggerston Park.

MILES 8-9: Now more than halfway, the route crosses the Regents Canal taking in some seriously iconic areas of Hackney including Broadway Market & London Fields, before turning onto Victoria Park Road. 

MILES 10-11: Running alongside Victoria Park and through the beautiful Laurieston Village, runners rejoin Victoria Park Road and pass Well Street Common before turning south onto Cadogan Terrace. 

MILES 12-13: Passing under the A12, runners enter the vibrant Hackney Wick, passing its iconic graffiti, and trendy bars and cafes. Finally, sprint back to the roar of the crowds on Hackney Marshes via Lee Conservancy Road to the Wizz Air Hackney Half 2024 finish line!

Actual Distance:  13.11 miles

Half Marathon Time:  1 hr 43 mins 13 secs

Blister Count:  +0  =  6  (no new blisters to report. However, I might have to adjust the numbers down as I think the one on the toe on my left foot is growing into a 6th toe 😬)

What to do when the Hackney Half Marathon sells out before you have had a chance to book a place?? Turn up the day before, when they are running their Hackney Moves Community 5km event, enjoy the carnival atmosphere and use their facilities. 🤫

Not that I didn’t expect it, but I appear to have hit a little bit of a 'wall' - these runs are certainly getting tougher. However… perfect weather, great to be able to warm up with the Hackney 5km festivities going on in the background and and another great course (although, perhaps too many beautifully aromatic food smells en route - slightly torturous when you are 10 miles in and rather hungry 😂). This one also hurt, but so much going on on this route, that I still managed to enjoy it (albeit, with a bit of a grimace on my face at times)

Today's only real detour to speak of, was fully intended. The official route runs along Gore Road, Victoria Park Road and Cadogan Terrace, which run parallel to the outer perimeter of Victoria Park. However, it seemed a shame to be within touching distance of one of the City's most visited green spaces and oldest purpose-built, public parks, and not venture inside. So, venture inside I did. Same distance... I just ran along the roads within the park, rather than those outside. Good decision!

Another benefit of running this route the day before the official event, is that I was also able to get a photo afterwards by the official finishing straight. So I got to experience almost all of the event - just without the medal to show for it.

But another one complete and now just over 2/3 of the way there. The Big Half up tomorrow. Time to foam roll and EAT!!