Thousands of runners will take over Hackney on 18 May, the majority being Londoners, taking in the atmosphere and celebrating the capital.
Participants had their chance to give their reasons for signing up to the 13-mile challenge. As is often the case, many runners have inspirational tales of fundraising, overcoming hardship, or in memory of their loved ones. Some are chasing personal bests while others are in it just for the buzz of crossing that finish line.
Here are some of the alternative answers from local heroes who are gearing up for the race in May.
It’s a chance to lookback on old times for 52-year-old, Sha, “it reminds me of my upbringing, the streets of Hackney allow me to reminisce on my childhood. I have run Hackney each year since 2014 and will continue to do so for as long as I can.”
Weddings, both recent and afar, are inspiring some runners. Bethany is looking “to help with post wedding blues” while Nicolas is celebrating their “20th wedding anniversary.”
Love seems to be in the air with several runners citing it as inspiration. Jarrod simply said, “a girl I like told me to buy ticket.” Aleksander, however, was given little choice by his partner, “my girlfriend said we don’t do anything together, so I had to accept so I have an excuse.”
Henry is hoping to defy his prognosis, “I was told two years ago by a doctor that I would never run again. I was hoping to run in 2024 Hackney Half, but my health wouldn’t let me. 2025 is my year.”
Lara, meanwhile, has given in to the runner’s lifestyle, “I don’t run, I have never run, I have been peer pressured. But I have started drinking collagen and spirulina smoothies, so this feels like the obvious next step.”
Milo plain and simply said “I want a six pack.”
A number of Londoners are simply looking for bragging rights, like Padelis, who said “I have a bet with a friend, and I will win the bet.”
Similarly, Nicolas wants to “be faster than my colleague Marta who inspired me to take the challenge.”
The 2025 Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon is sold-out, but you can register your interest for 2026 at https://www.hackneymoves.com/
With thanks to New Reach
Images: https://we.tl/t-5MaFKCObkY (credit: Motiv Sports)
