HOKA Hackney Trail — Race Day Guide

📍

Arrive at North Millfields Recreation Ground by 17:30 ///rocks.riding.gravel Bib collection opens at 17:30. Mandatory race briefing at 17:50. This is a point-to-point race with no bag drop — come dressed and ready to run. 📸 Photo ID required to collect your race pack. We recommend taking a screenshot of your collection QR code before arriving so you're ready to go.

Key Timings

17:30 Arrive at the start — North Millfields Recreation Ground. Race bib collection opens. Toilets open pre-race. No water at start line — arrive hydrated.

17:50 Participant briefing & warm-up — mandatory, be at the start line

18:00 Trail Run Starts — chipped timing begins at the start mat

~18:20 First finisher expected at Hackney Marshes

19:30 Event closes

Arrive Ready to Run

🚫

There is no bag drop at this event. This is a point-to-point race — your start and finish are at different locations, so bags cannot be returned. Please leave valuables at home or with a supporter. Arrive dressed and ready to run.

At the Start

Public toilets are open pre-race at North Millfields Recreation Ground. Please note there is no water available at the start line — come hydrated. There is no bag storage — come ready to race.

Your Race Bib

Collect your bib from 17:30 at the start. Pin it to the front of your top — it contains your timing chip. Please fill in your emergency contact details on the back of your bib before the race starts.

Getting There

🚗

Please avoid driving to the event. Parking is extremely limited around Hackney Marshes and we want to keep the area clear for local residents. Public transport, e-bikes, and cycling are all great options.

🚉 Recommended Route — Overground

        The best route is London Overground from Liverpool Street to Clapton — 4 trains per hour. Clapton is the nearest station, just a 5-minute walk to North Millfields Recreation Ground. There are many Tube options to reach Liverpool Street from across London.

🚇 Underground

Stratford (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth line) is your best Tube option, but note it's a 45–60 minute walk to the start. We'd recommend taking a bus from Stratford rather than walking. Bethnal Green is not a suitable option for this event.

🚌 Bus

The 55 and 56 both stop at Millfields North — a short walk from North Millfields Recreation Ground. Check TfL Journey Planner for the best route from your location.

🚲 Cycling & E-Bikes

Cycling or an e-bike is a great way to get to the start. E-bikes are available throughout Hackney via docking and dockless apps — check your preferred app for bikes near you.

The Route

Start

North Millfields Recreation Ground

///rocks.riding.gravel

→

Finish

Hackney Marshes Centre, Hackney Marshes

Distance & Terrain

Actual GPS distance: 5.9km. Off-road trail throughout Hackney's green corridors. Trail shoes or grippy footwear strongly recommended.

Course Features

Route includes 1 bridge crossing, 3 underpasses (note: one is only 5ft high — duck!), and a cattle grid. Marshals are stationed at key points throughout. All hazards will be clearly marked — keep an eye out for signage.

The Finish Line

Outside Hackney Marshes Centre, Hackney Marshes

🏅 First Ever HOKA Hackney Trail Medal

🎁 Finish Line Goodies

💧 Water

🎤 MC & Music

🚻 Toilets

🍔 Food & Beverage Traders

Safety & Medical

Medical Provision

There will be a full medical team throughout the event. Should you need medical assistance at any point, flag down a marshal and help will be with you promptly.

On Course Support

Marshals are stationed throughout the route. If you need to withdraw from the race at any point, please stop and inform the nearest marshal so we can account for you. Do not continue if injured.

🚨 Event Emergency Number

The event emergency number is 0303 0401 403. Please use this for emergencies only on event day — for general queries, speak to a marshal or crew member.

After the Race

Your Results

Your chip time will be texted to you after you finish. Results will also be published at hackneymoves.com.

Running the Half on Sunday?

        If you're already signed up for the HOKA Hackney Half Marathon, you can pick up your Sunday bib from the event village after you finish.

Priority Access · HOKA Hackney Half 2027

        Not yet entered Sunday's Half? As a Trail 5K finisher you have priority access to enter HOKA Hackney Half 2027. Details will be emailed to you after the race.

🎉

HOKA Hackney Moves Festival

The HOKA Hackney Trail is just the beginning. HOKA Hackney Moves is a full weekend festival of running, movement, and community — and it's happening all around you. After you cross the finish line, head into the festival and make the most of the weekend before Sunday's Half Marathon.

Find out what's on at hackneymoves.com →