Hackney Half Marathon

Claire takes on a running event in her Ovarian Cancer Action vest
Run Hackney Half Marathon for Ovarian Cancer Action
Join Team OCA for the sold-out Hackney Half Marathon and help fund life-saving research into ovarian cancer. Every mile you run and every pound you raise transforms the future for everyone affected by ovarian cancer.
Experience the vibrant energy of Hackney as you race down Mare Street, groove to the carnival beats, marvel at the iconic Town Hall, explore the historic Broadway Market, and immerse yourself in the colourful street art of Hackney Wick. Check out the route map here.
Event details
Date: Sunday 17 May 2026
Start time: 09:00 am
Minimum fundraising target: £350
Registration fee: £25.00
The Hackney Half Marathon Route
The Hackney Half Marathon takes place on 17th May 2026, with runners setting off from Hackney Marshes and winding through the Downs, London Fields, and London’s Victoria Park. The 13.1 mile course will take you through East London’s vibrant street art, live music, and an unbeatable crowd.
The Hackney Half Marathon is considered a relatively flat and fast course with a total ascent of 15 feet (44 meters) and a total descent of 142 feet (43 meters). Explore the course details and elevation gain in the route map below.
Why join Team OCA at the Hackney Half 2026?
All runners will receive:
- Access to training plans for all levels from the running experts at the Hackney Half Marathon.
- A free Ovarian Cancer Action tech running vest – so you can show your support to everyone whilst you train and on the day.
- Meet your teammates in our dedicated Running Heroes Facebook Group
- Bespoke fundraising support from our dedicated team – materials, ideas, and advice to help you smash your fundraising target.
- The experience of a lifetime, being cheered along by the crowds filling the streets of East London.
- Improved fitness levels and the knowledge you have helped us to get closer to making ovarian cancer a survivable disease.
- Your shiny new finisher's medal as you cross the finish line
Hackney Half Marathon FAQs
We've answered some of your top questions about the Hackney Half Marathon below. For any other questions, please get in touch at fundraising@ovarian.org.uk or 020 7380 1730. Our friendly team is happy to help.
Why run for Ovarian Cancer Action?
By running with us, you will be joining a passionate and unstoppable community running to fund life-saving ovarian cancer research. You will not just be taking on an Iconic half-marathon, you will be part of changing the future for all women
Is this event only for experienced runners?
The Hackney Half Marathon has a welcoming atmosphere for both experienced runners and those who are new to it. We can provide you with training plans from the experts at Hackney Half Marathon to help you reach the half-marathon distance. Many people who take part are new to running events, so you will not be alone.
What does my fundraising support?
Your funds will help us to make faster progress towards making ovarian cancer a survivable disease. Every day, 12 women die of ovarian cancer. Your support will mean we are able to fund research that focuses on the prevention and treatment of ovarian cancer, transforming how long and how well women will live. Your fundraising will also help us to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, so people know what to look out for, which saves lives.
Can you support me in fundraising?
Our friendly fundraising team is here to support you with your fundraising every step of the way. We can provide advice, materials, and ideas to help you smash your fundraising target. We allow our runners 4-6 weeks after the event to reach the minimum fundraising target, so there is plenty of time to collect sponsorship and raise as much as possible to support our vital work.
I think the Hackney Half Marathon is too far for me
The event is a fantastic excuse to go away and explore London for the weekend with tons to see, not least the vibrant East London neighbourhoods you’ll be running through. If you want to make a full weekend of it, why not take in Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, or one of the huge selection of museums and galleries before the big day?