Sign in Subscribe
Charities

Record Numbers Participate in London's Biggest Half-Marathon, Raising Over £4 Million for Charity Partners

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

More than 25,000 runners signed up for the Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon, a significant increase from previous years, as part of the two-day Hackney Moves festival that welcomed over 60,000 people to Hackney Marshes. The event, which featured a free and inclusive 'Festival of Fitness', saw runners enjoy the streets, sights, and sounds of East London, with thousands of spectators cheering them on. The half-marathon raised a staggering £4 million for its official charity partners, including Alzheimer's Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, and British Heart Foundation, among others.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 25,000 runners signed up for the Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon, a significant increase from previous years.
  • The event saw over £4 million raised for its official charity partners, including Alzheimer's Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, and British Heart Foundation.
  • The two-day Hackney Moves festival welcomed over 60,000 people to Hackney Marshes, featuring a free and inclusive 'Festival of Fitness'.
  • The half-marathon featured a course that took runners through Hackney's Mare Street Market, the iconic town hall, Hackney Wick, Hackney Picturehouse, Victoria Park, and the Hackney Empire.
  • The event saw a record number of participants, with thousands of runners enjoying the streets, sights, and sounds of East London.
  • The half-marathon was won by Becky Briggs of City of Hull AC, who finished in 1:14:20, while Hugo Fry and Chris Bruchhausen, both of Belgrave Harriers, were the first finishers, crossing the line together in 1:06:53.
  • The event featured a range of community partners, including the Hackney Academy group, which aimed to increase accessibility and engagement for the local community.
  • The festival hosted a range of free and inclusive activities, including live DJ sets, meditation sessions, immersive experiences, and fitness classes.
  • Ian Allerton, Managing Director for Motiv Sports, expressed pride in the event's growth and thanked the Hackney community for making it possible.

Statistics:

  • Over 25,000 runners signed up for the Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon.
  • The event raised a staggering £4 million for its official charity partners.
  • Over 60,000 people attended the two-day Hackney Moves festival.
  • The festival featured a range of community partners, including the Hackney Academy group.
  • Becky Briggs won the women's race in 1:14:20.
  • Hugo Fry and Chris Bruchhausen, both of Belgrave Harriers, were the first finishers, crossing the line together in 1:06:53.

Sources:

  • M2 PRESSWIRE - May 19, 2025 - Record Numbers Race Through Hackney for London's biggest half marathon
  • https://results.sporthive.com/events/7321543703403950848/races/493315
  • https://www.hackneymoves.com/

Read more