Race Day Weather
We'll load the latest forecast for Hackney Marshes on race day, Saturday 16 May. Check back closer to the date for the most accurate prediction.
Start Times & Waves
There are four waves on race day. Make sure you know your allocated start time and arrive with enough time to pick up your race pack beforehand.
⏱ Pack pick-up opens 60 minutes before your wave. We recommend arriving early to give yourself plenty of time before your start.
Race Pack Pick-Up
Pick up your 5K race pack on the day, up to 60 minutes before your allocated start time. Here's everything you need to know.
📍 South Baggage Tent
- 📱 Your QR code — sent via email, and by text if you registered with a UK phone number
- 🪪 Photo ID — passport, driving licence or similar
👨👩👧 Family wave participants: Only the registered participant needs to provide their QR code and photo ID to collect the race pack. Your race pack will include wristbands with your bib number on them — all family members must be wearing a wristband to take part in the family wave. Only one person needs to wear the bib.
✍️ Please fill in the reverse of your bib before you run — this section is for emergency contact details and medical information. It could be really important on the day.
🎒 Bag drop is available on site — bag drop and race pack pick-up are at the same location on the 5K route map. Use the label on the bottom of your bib to tag your bag before dropping it off.
Start, Finish & Route
The 5K starts and finishes on the same start line as the HOKA Hackney Half at Hackney Marshes. The race is a 5K loop around Hackney Marshes — flat, scenic and perfect for runners of all abilities.
📍 Start & Finish: Same start line as the HOKA Hackney Half, Hackney Marshes, E9 5PF
🔁 Course: A single 5K loop around Hackney Marshes — start and finish in the same place. The course is mostly on grass and trackway.
🚩 The route is fully marked. Please stay on the course at all times and follow instructions from marshals. If you're ever unsure, follow the signs or ask a marshal.
♿ Accessibility: The course is suitable for wheelchair users and adaptive runners. Please be aware that the surface is mostly grass and trackway, so conditions underfoot may vary.
5K Route Map
Use this map to find your way around on race day. Please note: bag drop and race pack pick-up for the 5K are at the same location — shown as the Bag Drop icon on this map. The festival village map shows the pack pick-up area for the HOKA Hackney Half, not the 5K — so please use this map to find your pack collection point.
Map subject to change. Follow marshal instructions and course markings on the day.
Getting There
Hackney Marshes is well connected by public transport. We'd recommend leaving the car at home — it's going to be a busy day on site and street parking in the area will be very limited.
Overground
Hackney Wick is the closest station, a short walk from the start line. Hackney Central and Homerton are also nearby options.
London OvergroundTube
Stratford (Central & Elizabeth lines) is a short walk or bus ride away. Mile End (Central & District) and Leyton (Central) are also handy.
Central Elizabeth DistrictBus
Several bus routes serve Hackney Marshes and the surrounding area. Check TfL for the most up-to-date routes and stop information on the day.
E-Bike
E-bikes are a great way to get to the Marshes. Cycle parking is available on site.
🚗 Driving: There are no road closures on the Saturday, but the area will be extremely busy. There is no dedicated event parking and street parking will be very limited — we'd strongly recommend leaving the car at home.
Good to Know
A few extra things to be aware of on race day to help make your experience as smooth as possible.
Finish Line
Every finisher receives a medal plus a few goodies from our partners. There is also water available at the finish line.
Toilets
Toilets and women's urinals are located in the north west corner of the site, to the left of the Main Stage. See the festival village map for exact location.
Lost Property
Lost something? Head to the Race Pack Collection / Help Desk on site — they'll be able to help you out.
Families & Buggies
Pushchairs and buggies are welcome in the Family Wave (13:00). Please be mindful of those around you and give other runners space. If you're running near a buggy, give it plenty of room.
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted on the course but are very welcome at the festival! There's plenty of space to enjoy the day with your four-legged friend.
Timing
There is no strict cut-off time for the 5K. Waves are spaced 1.5 hours apart, which gives plenty of time for everyone to finish comfortably.
Festival Village Map
Use this map to find your way around on the day. Key locations include the Main Stage, food and drink, toilets, bag drop, the Help Desk, first aid, and the start/finish line.
Map subject to change. Speak to a member of staff on the day if you can't find something.