Each year in May, we team up with our London Fields neighbours to run the Hackney Half Marathon and raise money for Shelter. This year our super-fit Climpsons runners will be joined by friends from Brat, Mare Street Market, Pophams, 22 Wine and Pub on the Park. You can support the runners by heading to our Justgiving page (where you’ll find all important information on how to get your hands on this year’s beautifully designed t-shirt!) or by simply enjoying a drink at any of our locations across the weekend, where 10p from every coffee we sell goes straight to the great work at Shelter.
Shelter offers support for anyone suffering with housing problems and campaigns nationally for home as a human right. Through their in-person, online and over the phone support services they provide guidance to help combat the multiple social and health issues that can lead to a housing crisis for individuals and families. They also run a traineeship, providing paid employment for individuals who have been homeless. Their current campaigns work towards a greater provision of social housing and reforms in renters rights. We are in a housing emergency, and the work they do has never been more important.
Since our first team entry in 2017, we’ve raised a grand total of £1498 to support their work and hope to make this year our biggest fundraiser yet with your support.
Hackney Moves is a full weekend of movement, sport and fun. There’s a full line-up of HIIT, boxing and yoga, plus talks and workshops over the weekend, as well as the two big running events. The Half Marathon is now sold out, but it’s not too late to get your entry in for a short and speedy 5k on Saturday. You’ll find Climpson & Sons serving up the best coffee (including our first iced slushies of the season) on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May from the festival hub in Hackney Marshes.
For any first time runners out there, here’s some top tips for an enjoyable race.
1. Pace. I know, it’s so tempting to get caught up in the race day excitement and set off a little faster than you’d planned (we’ve all done it) but taking it easy for the first few miles will make all the difference in your legs when you get to Broadway Market and there’s still 4 long miles to go! There’s plenty of very helpful pacers spread for the pack to help you take it easy at the start, and keep you motivated towards the end.
2. Hydrate. The weather is looking hot again for this year’s race so hydration is as important as ever. Make sure to keep drinking water before you hit the start line and sip at the 6 water stations dotted throughout the course, as well as rehydrating within 30 mins of finishing the race. Water is life.
- Stretch. Take your time to fully warm up your body before you start jogging, working head to toe to move through your all important joints. There’s a communal warm up at the main stage just before the race starts. Once you finish, walk a little to cool down, kick your shoes off and take a few long stretches for the legs and hips - figure of four shapes laying on the back and supported lunges work a treat here. Or sign up to our community yoga class on Mondays at 5pm for the ultimate post-run stretch.
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Soak up the vibes. Hackney really comes to life for the half marathon weekend and the race course is filled with entertainment and cheers from the locals. Use the beat of the samba band and the roar of the crowd to keep the motivation high even when the energy levels feel low.
Good luck to everyone that’s pounding the pavements on race day and be sure to visit us for a pre or post race caffeine hit over the weekend.
Donate to support the work at Shelter here.
