Hackney Half 2026
Yesterday I ran the Hackney Half in 2 hours, 16 mins and 4 seconds, gaining me a new Personal Best!
The weather was really nice on the day, in the past it’s been a hot one, leaving people looking for times very disappointed as they struggled just to stay hydrated and not overheat.
It’s probably the best I have ever felt in a half marathon. Compared to Stevenage half last year when I ran really solidly on for a 2:10 pace until 15k and then my legs got super heavy ultimately ending up with a 2:17, the deliberate choice of targeting 2:15, and recent strength training in the gym meant that I felt really strong all the way to the finish, with only a couple of very brief stops near the end for slight cramping.
Tom and I went for curry the night before, and drove in in the morning, it was nice to catch up and he also had a good race, getting back in for a sub-2 after recent injuries.
I hope to do the hackney half in future years, but it seems like it’s going the way of the Royal Parks with competition for placing being fierce and the price on the rise.
What I do know is there is definitely room for more PBs to come! Whilst I have done some strength training, I could definitely be getting the gym more, and doing more long runs (and more runs in general).
