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There are few running races as hyped as the Hackney Half. Over the past few years, spaces for the 13.1 mile event have sold out in mere minutes (don’t bother trying to enter the 2027 race, it’s already full booked). Who’d have thought that a half marathon would become one of the hottest tickets in town?
Now, there’s another half marathon aiming to replicate Hackney Half’s festival atmosphere: the Shoreditch Half. It’s been put together by the same organisers, and its inaugural edition is happening this weekend. Just like the Hackney Half, there’ll be DJs, live music and street food to keep participants and the whole crowd motivated.
Are you going to be among the first to run the all-new Saucony Run Shoreditch Half? Will you be supporting from the sidelines? From start times to refreshment points to post-race freebies, here’s everything runners and spectators need to know.
When is the Shoreditch Half 2026?
The very first Shoreditch Half Marathon is taking place on Sunday September 20.
When does it start?
The event village is open from 7.30am, but individual race start times will depend on predicted finish times. Participants will have been given a letter from A to F, which indicates when they will cross the start line. The pens are as follows:
- A-B: 9am-9.10am
- C-D: 9.10am-9.25am
- E-F: 9.25am-9.45am
Where does the race start?
Runners will set off from Shoreditch Park.
Shoreditch Half route 2026
From Shoreditch Park, the route takes runners up Southgate Road, around Essex Road and past Canonbury. Then, they’ll run up Green Lanes, by Clissold Park and loop around to run back down via Stoke Newington, Newington Green, De Beauvoir and Hoxton.
How to get to Shoreditch Half
The nearest stations to the event village are Hoxton (Windrush line), Haggerston (Windrush line) and Old Street (Northern line and National Rail. They’re all roughly a 10-15 minute walk away.
Several roads will be closed for the event from 6am on Sunday, so bear in mind that buses may be subject to diversions. If you arrive by e-bike, there will be designated zones to park – check your e-bike provider’s app to see where their designated parking location is.
Are there toilets and water stations on the route?
There are aid stations, all with toilets, at five points along the route. You can see them marked on the map above.
- Mile 3.5: water cups and refill
- Mile 6.5: water cups and refill
- Mile 8.3: OTE energy gels
- Mile 8.8: Water bottles
- Mile 11.1: Water cups and refill
The best places to watch runners
Organisers say that one of the best spectator spots on the course will be in Newington Green, as runners will pass through the area three times. It also recommends watching from Balls Pond Road, Downham Road or the edges of Clissold Park.
How to track runners
The official Saucony Run Shoreditch App will let family and friends track runners from the moment they cross the start line. Just make sure you know their bib number. The app can be downloaded on the App Store or Google Play.
Is the 2026 Shoreditch Half sold out?
Yes, the race is totally sold out. But if you’re interested, you can sign up to be the first to know about early access for spots in 2027.
Where can I drop my bags?
Your bag drop location will depend on your race number – participants should be informed of their allocated baggage bay ahead of the event. You can drop your stuff off from 7.30am and must pick it up by 2pm.
Weather forecast
In a nutshell, it’ll be warm but drizzly. For Sunday, forecasters predict a max temperature of 23C and light drizzle throughout the day.
Are there any freebies for participants?
You betcha. Once you get that medal at the finish line, you can drop inside a bunch of local business to get exclusive deals and discounts. Here are some of the best you can get.
- Great Beyond Brewing Co: first drink free
- Leigh’s: 30 percent of all hot coffees
- Mare Street Market: 20 percent of food and drink from the main menu
- Seven Seasons: Free Tegernseer beer
- Romeo & Giulietta Artisan Gelateria: Buy one scoop, get one free
- Shoreditch Nails: 25 percent off all services
- Sweet Thursday: 25 percent off all pizza (except the pizza of the month)
And if you download the Appetite App, you can claim the following deals with your medal:
- Rawlala: Free acai bowl
- Arties Sarnies at the Haggerston: Free fried chicken sandwich
- Alfi Spitalfieds: Free margherita pizza
- Marugame Udon: Free small chicken or vegan pumpkin katsu udon
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