Vitality Run Hackney Half Marathon 2015 review
On Sunday the second Vitality Run Hackney Half Marathon took place on the streets of East London. The organisers set out to make this year's race an even bigger and better event than the first one, which was already a huge success. The promise of a slightly improved route and more water stations, a free technical T-shirt and of course a shiny new medal at the finishing line made thousands of runners sign up for Hackney Half part two.
A cool and grey morning gave way to sunshine as soon as everyone filed into the pens at the starting line. Pro hurdler and local East End girl Perri Shakes-Drayton started the race and being a big fan, this was super exciting indeed.
Having lived in Hackney for many years, this race does have a particular special meaning for me. It's like a (running) trip down memory lane, while being cheered on by loads of people. It is quite emotional. It was also so much fun scanning the crowds for friends, high fiving kids and spotting Martin Freeman (not once but twice)!
It's great seeing everyone on the streets, having a fabulous time and celebrating the fantastic borough that Hackney is. The whole event has a really friendly party atmosphere and when we stopped in the pub on the way home for a celebratory drink, there were loads of runners proudly wearing their new T-shirts and medals exchanging stories from their big race.
Pre-Registration for 2016 is now open. Sign me up!
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