A free initiative helping local residents across East London returns for 2027, supporting those who never thought they could run a half marathon to reach the start line.
Applications are now open for the 2027 HOKA Hackney Academy, a community programme that helps local people train for and complete the iconic HOKA Hackney Half.
Following a hugely successful first two years, the Academy will welcome 50 participants in 2027, providing expert coaching, weekly group training sessions, running kit and a free place at the sold-out HOKA Hackney Half in May. The programme is specifically designed for people who are completely new to running or returning after time away due to injury, illness, life circumstances or a loss of confidence.
Part of the wider HOKA Hackney Moves festival, the Academy aims to remove barriers to participation and demonstrate that running can be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, experience or starting point.
For many participants, the Academy has become about far more than preparing for a race.
Among those who joined the programme in 2026 was Jannat, a Hackney resident and youth support worker who had never considered herself a runner before applying.
Jannat has lived in Hackney her whole life and diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at 28 but reversed it within 5 months after a change of diet and lifestyle. The experience then pushed her on to lose 36kg over a year.
She signed up to the academy having previously not being able to run around a park in one go. Over the twelve weeks she developed lasting friendships and overcame the ultimate hurdle of the HOKA Hackney Half Marathon.
The Academy has also helped participants in 2025 who joined the inaugural programme and went on to complete the Hackney Half after overcoming significant personal barriers to running.
Each participant undertakes a structured training programme, with weekly coached sessions leading all the way to the HOKA Hackney Half start line. Alongside physical preparation, the Academy is designed to build confidence and a sense of belonging through a supportive group environment.
Ian Allerton, from HOKA Hackney Moves event organiser Motiv Sports UK, said:
“The Hackney Academy is one of the things we’re most proud of delivering as part of HOKA Hackney Moves.
“Every year we see incredible people arrive at that first session unsure whether they belong in a running community, only to cross the Hackney Half finish line a few months later having achieved something they never thought possible.
“It’s about much more than running. It’s about confidence, connection, wellbeing and creating opportunities for local people to be part of something special. We’re excited to welcome another 50 people onto that journey in 2027.”
The Academy forms part of HOKA Hackney Moves’ wider commitment to community participation, alongside its network of local partnerships, community places, schools initiatives and free fitness activities delivered across the festival weekend.
The HOKA Hackney Half has become one of the UK’s most sought-after running events, attracting tens of thousands of participants and supporters each year as part of the wider HOKA Hackney Moves festival.
Applications for the 2027 HOKA Hackney Academy are now open. The programme is open to adults who are new to running or returning after an extended break and who can commit to the weekly training programme.
Apply now: https://www.hackneymoves.com/hackney-academy