The Hackney Half is one of London's most vibrant and popular half-marathon events, drawing thousands of runners and spectators to East London. While it promises a fantastic atmosphere and a memorable race day experience, drivers should prepare for significant road closures, diversions, and congestion. Whether you're participating, spectating, or just trying to get around Hackney, here's everything you need to know about road closures, the best parking options, and travel advice for Sunday, 18th May, 2025.
Key information about the Hackney Half 2025
When is the Hackney Half?
The Hackney Half 2025 will take place on Sunday, 18th May, 2025, with the main race starting from 9:00 AM.
How many people take part?
Over 20,000 runners are expected to take part, cheered on by tens of thousands of spectators lining the course.
What is the Hackney Half route?
The race starts and finishes at Hackney Marshes, taking runners on a loop through vibrant East London streets including:
- Mare Street
- Richmond Road
- Well Street
- Victoria Park Road
- Wick Road
Major road closures for the Hackney Half 2025
Road closures for the Hackney Half are extensive and will impact much of Hackney and surrounding areas. Here's what drivers need to know:
Confirmed road closures
- Mare Street – closed from early morning until early afternoon.
- Richmond Road and Well Street – closed from approximately 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Victoria Park Road and surrounding streets – closed from early morning until mid-afternoon.
- Wick Road and Morning Lane – expect closures until around 3:00 PM.
- Hackney Marshes area – extensive closures for the race village and start/finish lines.
Full details and a detailed map of the road closures can be found on the official race website (snapshot to the right).
Important: Road closures will begin early on Sunday morning (as early as 5:00 AM) and will be lifted in phases during the afternoon.
Expected increase in congestion
Even after roads start to reopen, heavy congestion is expected around Hackney, Victoria Park, and surrounding areas. Public transport hubs like Hackney Central and Stratford will also be exceptionally busy.
Best parking options for the Hackney Half 2025
If you plan to drive to Hackney on race day, booking your parking in advance with JustPark is the smartest move.
Top parking recommendations:
- Hackney Central & Hackney Downs – Find JustPark spaces here – a short walk from the race village.
- London Fields & Dalston – Secure parking here for easier access without getting caught in full closures.
- Stratford area – Book parking here and take a short train or cycle to Hackney Marshes.
Booking with JustPark ensures you:
- Reserve a space ahead of time
- Guarantee access near your destination
- Avoid high race-day parking fees
- Reduce stress on an already busy day
Alternative travel options for drivers
- Public transport: London Overground and Underground services are also a convenient way to access Hackney on race day.
- Cycling: Secure bike parking will be available near the event village.
- Walking: For locals, walking will be the most convenient and quickest option.
Final tips for drivers on race day
- Check live updates: Keep an eye on Hackney Half’s official channels for real-time closure and traffic updates.
- Use navigation apps: Apps like Google Maps and Waze will reroute you around closures.
- Arrive early: To avoid road closures impacting your journey, plan to arrive well before the race start time.
- Book your parking space early: JustPark spaces will sell out quickly, so secure yours as soon as possible.
Planning ahead is crucial for anyone navigating Hackney on race day. By reserving a space with JustPark and staying informed, you can make the most of this vibrant event without the stress.
