Join over 20,000 runners and take on the London’s biggest half marathon – The Hackney Half! You’ll run down Mare Street through a carnival of sound. Keep an eye out for the vibrant street art and local gems like Broadway Market, Hackney Wick, and Hackney Picturehouse . AND the route is flat and fast, making it perfect for anyone doing their first half marathon or looking for a PB. You can find out more information about the Hackney Half here.
Hoka Hackney Half Marathon Charity Places 2027
Registration fee: £15 - save 50% until 31st October
Fundraising pledge: £300
Why you should run the Hackney Half for HARP
- Guaranteed Entry to the Hackney Half Marathon
By joining our team we’ll guarantee you entry to the Hackney Half Marathon
- Premium Technical Vest
Free #TeamHARP running vest – breathable, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you comfortable
- Exclusive perks
Free training plan, invites to team WhatsApp Chat and invites to training runs.
- Group Training Runs
Join training sessions and connect with fellow Team HARP runners. Subject to demand.
- Free Race Day Photos
Photos at our cheer points so you can capture your achievement.
- WhatsApp Support Group
24/7 motivation, tips, and encouragement from our team and fellow runners
I’d never run further than 5k before signing up for the Hackney Half for HARP. Honestly, I was terrified! On race day, the atmosphere was incredible. Running for HARP was great especially the WhatsApp Group
HARP Hackney Half Runner, 2025

About the Hackney Half Marathon
Why your fundraising matters
Jack’s life has turned around since coming to HARP, and he is now in his final year of university studying Clinical & Community Psychology. He describes himself as having the ‘study bug’ and is currently achieving good grades. Jack is even contemplating a Masters at Kings College in London.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do I have to commit to a minimum fundraising amount – surely any money I raise should be enough?
Each charity place at an event represents an important and valuable source of fundraising for us. As we have made an investment to be able to offer places at events, we therefore ask each applicant to pledge to raise a minimum level of sponsorship if they subsequently take part in an event. We are on hand whenever you need us to support you with your fundrasing.
- What happens if I don’t reach my target?
We know that committing to raise a specific amount can seem a bit daunting which is why we’re here to help every step of the way. If you have a place with us and are struggling with your fundraising then please do get in touch. We have lots of experience with fundraising, and can give you some great advice, tips and fundraising materials to help you smash your target.
- Do you have any fundraising tips?
The easiest way to start your fundraising is to set up a Online Fundraising Page You’ll need to make sure that your page stands out though by personalising it as much as possible. The three easiest ways are to: Add a photo of yourself, your team or who you’re running for Set a fundraising target. We’d always encourage you to be as ambitious as possible with what you hope to raise) You’re doing something amazing so make sure you write about your personal motivation for taking on your challenge! We’ve seen that fundraisers who do these three things raise, on average, roughly 50% more than those who don’t!
- What's included with my charity place?
Guaranteed race entry without the ballot, a free #TeamHARP technical running vest, a training plan, access to our WhatsApp group, invites to group training runs (subject to demand), and race day photos at our cheer points. You’ll have everything you need to train, fundraise, and run with confidence.
- How old do I need to be?
You need to be 17 or over on race day, Sunday 16 May 2027.
- I've never run a half marathon. Is the Hackney Half a good first one?
Yes. The course is flat and on closed roads, with live music and crowds the whole way round to keep you going. Our free training plan builds you up gradually, and walk breaks are fine. Plenty of #TeamHARP runners have started from 5k.
- I already have my own place. Can I still run for HARP?
Yes, and we’d love to have you. Own place runners join #TeamHARP with no minimum fundraising target. You’ll get the same running vest, training plan, WhatsApp group and race day support as our charity place runners. Email harp.fundraising@harphomeless.org to join the team.
- Can my friends and family come along?
Definitely. The race finishes at Hackney Marshes, where there’s a free two-day festival with music, food and activities. We’ll have a dedicated marquee and cheer point on route. a
- Is the Hackney Half 2027 sold out?
Yes. General entry for the 2027 HOKA Hackney Half has sold out, so a charity place is now the only way onto the start line. Join #TeamHARP for a £15 registration fee and a £300 fundraising pledge, and you’ll get guaranteed entry with no ballot or waiting list.
- Where does the Hackney Half start and finish?
The race starts and finishes at Hackney Marshes in East London. The 13.1-mile (21.1km) route runs on fully closed roads through London Fields, down Mare Street and past Broadway Market, Hackney Wick and Clapton.
- How much does a Hackney Half charity place cost?
A HARP charity place costs £15 to register, and you pledge to raise at least £300 in sponsorship. The registration fee secures your guaranteed entry. Your fundraising pays for HARP’s frontline services for people experiencing homelessness.
- Is there a time limit for the Hackney Half?
The time limit is 3.5 hours after after the start time of your wave. That gives you time to run, jog or walk the full distance, so first-timers and walkers can take part with confidence.
- Do I get a medal and race T-shirt?
Yes. On top of your free #TeamHARP vest, the race organisers give every runner a race shirt, a finisher medal and a chip-timed result. You’ll also have aid stations, pacers and entry to the post-race festival at Hackney Marshes.
- Can I run with friends or a work team?
Yes. Sign up together and create a team fundraising page to combine your totals. Many employers match their staff’s fundraising, so ask your HR team.
I’d never run further than 5k before signing up for the Hackney Half for HARP. Honestly, I was terrified! On race day, the atmosphere was incredible. Running for HARP was great especially the WhatsApp Group
HARP Hackney Half Runner, 2025
Read more supporter stories
Run the Hackney Half
Secure guaranteed entry into the Hackney Half 2027 today for just £15 when you commit to raise £300 to end homelessness!
✓ Guaranteed race entry
✓ Free HARP running vest
✓ Training runs & WhatsApp group
✓ Fundraising support
Looking for another challenge?
From Half Marathons to 24 hour endurance races we have the challenge for you.

Run the London Landmarks Half
Take on Central London’s biggest half marathon – the London Landmarks
