HOKA Headlines Hackney Moves Festival as Title Partner, Hackney 2026

Key Points

• Running brand HOKA has been announced as the multi-year headline partner of Hackney Moves, becoming the title sponsor for the event now known as HOKA Hackney Moves.
• The festival is a weekend-long celebration in East London, featuring live music, community activations at the event village on Hackney Marshes, and the centrepiece Hackney Half marathon on Sunday 17 May 2026.​
• This partnership builds on three years of collaboration, where HOKA previously served as the Official Footwear and Apparel Partner, aiding the event’s growth into London’s biggest half marathon.
• HOKA supports the Hackney Academy, a 12-week programme relaunched last week, providing free running coaching and kit to 50 new and returning runners from Hackney and surrounding boroughs to remove participation barriers.​
• The 2026 event expands its community programme, partnering with local running groups and over 40 Hackney organisations and leaders to maintain authenticity and accessibility.​
• General entry tickets for the 2026 Hackney Half sold out in one day last May, marking four consecutive years of record sell-outs, with over 27,000 runners signed up.
• More than 60,000 people attended the 2025 two-day festival at Hackney Marshes, where participants raised over £4 million for local and national charities.
• The partnership reflects shared values of movement, community, inclusivity, and the transformative power of running.​
• Rebecca Shaw, Senior Partnerships Manager at Motiv Sports UK, stated: “We’re thrilled to welcome HOKA as the new title partner of Hackney Moves. HOKA’s commitment and joyful approach to movement aligns perfectly with the spirit of this event. Together we will continue to elevate the experience for every participant and spectator who makes Hackney such a special place to run.”​
• Guido Geilenkirchen, VP and GM at HOKA EMEA, said: “We’re incredibly proud to strengthen our partnership with Hackney Moves as title sponsor. Over the past three years, we’ve seen first-hand how powerful this event is, not just as a race, but as a cultural moment that brings together runners, crews and communities from across East London and beyond. Hackney Moves perfectly reflects HOKA’s belief in the joy and transformative power of movement. From supporting the Hackney Academy to celebrating runners of all abilities on the start line, we’re excited to help shape the next chapter of this iconic festival and continue creating unforgettable experiences for every participant.”​

Hackney, East London (East London Times) March 3, 2026 – HOKA, the renowned running brand, has been confirmed as the multi-year title partner of Hackney Moves, elevating the iconic festival to new heights as London’s premier fitness and community event. Now rebranded as HOKA Hackney Moves, the weekend-long celebration centres on the Hackney Half marathon on Sunday 17 May 2026, with live music, community activations, and a vibrant festival village at Hackney Marshes. This partnership extends three years of successful collaboration, during which HOKA served as Official Footwear and Apparel Partner, contributing to the event’s expansion into the capital’s largest half marathon, complete with record sell-outs and substantial charity fundraising.

What is the History of HOKA’s Involvement with Hackney Moves?

HOKA’s relationship with Hackney Moves dates back three years, initially as the event’s Official Footwear and Apparel Partner, where the brand helped runners navigate the borough’s streets. As reported in Sustain Health by an unnamed contributor, this support has been instrumental in the festival’s growth, mirroring HOKA’s investment in East London. Tim Hunt, in his LinkedIn post for what appears to be an official announcement, stated:

“We’re proud to announce that HOKA is now the Title Partner of Hackney Moves, strengthening a partnership that has grown over the past three years.”

The brand’s progression to title sponsor underscores a deepening commitment, with HOKA now headlining the entire festival. Previous involvement included gear provision and visibility, aligning with the event’s cultural ethos. This evolution has coincided with Hackney Moves becoming a sought-after staple in the UK running calendar.

When and Where is HOKA Hackney Moves 2026 Taking Place?

The HOKA Hackney Moves festival unfolds over a weekend in East London, hosted at the event village on Hackney Marshes. The centrepiece Hackney Half marathon occurs on Sunday 17 May 2026. As detailed in the official HOKA page, participants are encouraged to “get race ready and fly with us on the 16th May weekend,” confirming the broader festival dates around 16-17 May.

Hackney Marshes serves as the hub for live music, fitness classes, talks, and community engagements, drawing crowds for its vibrant atmosphere. Over 60,000 visitors flocked there in 2025, highlighting its role as a communal epicentre.

Why Did HOKA Become the Title Partner of Hackney Moves?

The partnership stems from aligned values: the power of movement, community importance, and inclusivity. Guido Geilenkirchen, VP and GM at HOKA EMEA, explained in the Sustain Health article:

“We’re incredibly proud to strengthen our partnership with Hackney Moves as title sponsor. Over the past three years, we’ve seen first-hand how powerful this event is, not just as a race, but as a cultural moment that brings together runners, crews and communities from across East London and beyond.”​

HOKA views Hackney Moves as embodying “the joy and transformative power of movement,” from academy support to celebrating all abilities. Rebecca Shaw, Senior Partnerships Manager at Motiv Sports UK, added:

“We’re thrilled to welcome HOKA as the new title partner of Hackney Moves. HOKA’s commitment and joyful approach to movement aligns perfectly with the spirit of this event.”

This multi-year deal signals long-term dedication to an event “shaped by Hackney, for Hackney.”​

What is the Hackney Academy and How Does HOKA Support It?

HOKA backs the Hackney Academy, a 12-week programme that debuted in 2025 and relaunched last week ahead of 2026. It offers free running coaching and kit to 50 new and returning runners from Hackney and nearby boroughs, tackling participation barriers. As noted in UKRunChat coverage of the launch, the academy strengthens borough ties through expanded community efforts.

This initiative promotes accessibility in a sport where costs can exclude newcomers. HOKA’s involvement extends to on-event support, ensuring diverse runners reach the start line.​

How Has Hackney Moves Grown in Popularity and Scale?

The 2026 general entry tickets sold out in one day last May, achieving four straight years of record sell-outs and attracting over 27,000 runners. London Daily News reported it as selling out in a record two days post-2025, cementing its status as London’s biggest and most popular half marathon.

The 2025 festival drew over 60,000 to Hackney Marshes for music, entertainment, and activities from local talent. This growth reflects its blend of sport, culture, and community.

What Community and Charity Impact Does HOKA Hackney Moves Have?

For 2026, HOKA Hackney Moves broadens its community programme, collaborating with local running groups and over 40 Hackney organisations to preserve authenticity. It remains inclusive, welcoming all who define the borough.​

Runners raised over £4 million for charities in the last year, with thousands participating for local and national causes. Charity packages are expanding, including a headline partnership with enhanced benefits like 400 places and prominent branding. The National Autistic Society highlights its fundraising potential, noting £250 minimum sponsorship.

Who Are the Key Figures Behind the HOKA Hackney Moves Partnership?

Rebecca Shaw of Motiv Sports UK praised the alignment in Sustain Health:

“Together we will continue to elevate the experience for every participant and spectator who makes Hackney such a special place to run.”​

Guido Geilenkirchen of HOKA EMEA elaborated:

“Hackney Moves perfectly reflects HOKA’s belief in the joy and transformative power of movement… we’re excited to help shape the next chapter.”

Tim Hunt’s LinkedIn announcement emphasised the pride in this milestone.

What Makes HOKA Hackney Moves Unique in London’s Running Scene?

Unlike standard races, it fuses running with lifestyle, culture, and local community at Hackney Marshes. Features include free family activities, DJ sets, and talks, creating a “cultural moment.” HOKA’s “FLY HUMAN FLY” ethos, seen in past campaigns, resonates here.

Its sell-out streak and charity impact distinguish it, as London Daily News noted post-2025. The event’s East London roots ensure it stays grounded amid growth.