If you’ve ever run the Hackney Half Marathon, you’ll know that despite the fact you’re exerting yourself for 13.1 miles – risking chafing, blisters and sheer exhaustion along the way – somehow it still manages to be a fun, spirited, life-affirming party, thanks to the atmosphere around the course.
This Sunday (May 17), everyone from DJs and bands to drumming troupes and choirs will be lining the route, providing upbeat and motivating tunes. But, more importantly, the Hackney streets will be swelling with crowds of spectators armed with signs, sweets and rousing cheers to spur everyone on until the end.
Even after you’ve finished the race, which stretches from Hackney Marches to Hackney Downs and curves round to Victoria Park, before ending back at the Race Village at the Marshes again, you’ll find that the good vibes continue. Whether you’re riding high on endorphins or nursing post-race blisters, there are plenty of afterparties, freebies and perks for the determined folk wearing their medals round their necks.
Here are the best freebies and treats to look out for – just don’t wear yourself out running round town to bag ’em all. You’ve earned a nice sit down!
HACKNEY MARATHON GUIDE
???? The Hackney Half: route, start time, best places to watch, and everything you need to know.
The best Hackney Half 2026 freebies and perks
1. Craft beer at LARDO
What you get: Join a party on LARDO’s terrace after the Hackney Half. There’ll be a Sandwich & Spritz menu available in collaboration with Allora and Italo Disco, with Italo Disco vermouth & tonic and Allora Spritz to sip on. The first 50 finishers to arrive will receive free pints of Disco Pills provided by 40 Ft Brewery.
How to claim: Show your medal.
2. Sign-making and spritzes at LVLS
What you get: This is one for the spectators. Crodino, the Italian 0.0 percent aperitivo, is teaming up with local artist Hackney Dave, for an afterparty at LVLS in Hackney Wick with all-day DJs. But beforehand keen spectators can join both the Crodino Cheer Station and Hackney Dave Cheer Station Pop-up at Queensbridge Road (miles 6-7), where there’ll be complimentary Crodino Spritz sampling and DIY neon sign-making. Runners should also look out for the ‘Crodino C0.0L Down Club’ in the race village (featuring ice baths and temporary tattoos).
How to claim: Just turn up.
3. A pint at Five Points Brewery
What you get: The big east London brewery is throwing its annual Hackney Halfterparty in its Mare Street courtyard. All runners get a free pint for taking part. They’ll also have a special brew on sale, ‘A Swift Half’ to celebrate the occasion and raise money for the Hackney Food Bank. As well as pints there’ll also be barbecued treats grilled by From The Ashes.
How to claim: Show your medal for a free pint.
4. Free classes at MoreYoga
What you get: Stretch out any post-half marathon aches and pains with a freebie class at MoreYoga branches in Hackney, Haggerston and Dalston Studios.
How to claim: Just turn up to a class with your medal, from May 17-19.
5. A pint at 40ft Brewery, Dalston
What you get: The brewery will be pouring free pints for half marathon finishers.
How to claim: Show your medal.
6. Dance and workouts at House of Fitness
What you get: Head to Hackney Marshes on Saturday May 16 or Sunday May 17 and you’ll find a pop-up fitness centre with some seriously fun ways of getting you moving. Instructors, DJs and movement collectives fill a packed line-up of workshops that’ll fulfil your every need, whether it’s a high-energy workout or a chill cool down sesh.
How to claim: Just turn up at Hackney Marshes to join in.
7. A pint from any Exale Brewing venue
What you get: A complimentary cold one.
How to claim: Simply turn up to one of Exale Brewing’s four venues (The Black Eel, Three Colts, William IV or Exhale Tap Room) and flash your medal at the bar.
8. Goodie bags and prebiotic soda at Mare Street Market
What you get: Gut-friendly drinks brand Living Things will be at Mare Street Market giving out 100 free cans of its limited edition Lime and Cherry Prebiotic Soda as well as a bunch of goodie bags and the chance to win Mare Street dining vouchers.
How to claim: Just turn up.
9. A drink of your choice at Equal Parts, Sager Wilde or Bruno
What you get: A free cocktail, beer, glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative.
How to claim: Simply show your 2026 medal at one of the three bars from 12pm onwards.
10. A pint at the Sebright Arms
What you get: One free pint.
How to claim: RSVP here and show your medal at the bar when you arrive.
11. A booze-free cocktail at Clapton Craft
What you get: An alcohol free cocktail from fermented and distilled hemp-based drinkmakers Pathfinder. You can choose from a Pathfinder Spritz or Dark n Stormy
How to claim: Turn up and show your medal.
12. A pint at All My Friends
What you get: All My Friends is throwing a big bash to celebrate everyone crossing the Hackney Half finish line. It’ll include pizzas, tacos, cocktails and members of AMF’s own run club on the decks. The first 100 runners through the door with their medals in tow will be treated to a free East London Brewery pint.
How to claim: Be one of the first 100. Book ahead here.
13. A Pocari Sweat at Wonton Charlies
What you get: A refreshing bottle of Japans’s grapefuit flavoured isotonic drink Pocari Sweat.
How to claim: Just show your medal.
14. Fries, mini-golf and a tipple at Roof East
What you get: To help you cool off after the 13.1-miler, Roof Eat is offering runners a free game of mini-golf, a free Aperol Spritz or Madri and free fries with any burger ordered.
How to claim: Present your medal to staff.
15. A pint at The Coach Leyton
What you get: The Coach will be giving away free beverages to every runner who stops by after crossing the finish line.
How to claim: You should know the drill now – just flash your medal at the bar.
16. Numbers Wine
What you get: At its Hackney Half afters, Numbers Wine will be giving out free glasses of pét nat to finishers.
How to claim: Be one of the first 63 Hackney Half finishers at the party.
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