Hackney Winter Night Shelter to run in first half marathon

Some of the team training: (left to right) Jessica Smith, Jill Dobbie, Camilla Fox, Lucy Brown, Jasmine Dick, Maggie Harding, Andrew Borwick, Tom MacInnes.

Local homelessness charity Hackney Winter Night Shelter will join the thousands of runners streaming through Hackney’s streets in the borough’s first ever half marathon this Sunday.

The forthcoming Vitality Run Hackney half marathon is already ranked among the top ten half marathons in the country, despite being the first of its kind in the borough. The 13.1 mile run will start and finish on Hackney Marsh, making its way through Hackney Downs, past the iconic Hackney Empire, and through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

It’s the first time the Hackney Winter Night Shelter has put forward a full team to run in a marathon or half marathon. They are encouraging people from all backgrounds to take part and are providing vests, training tips and support on the day for participants.

Hackney Winter Night Shelter trustee Morna Mackenzie said:

“The very streets the half marathon runs through can be cold, hostile places for people who find themselves without a home in the winter months. The running is half the battle but on top of the physical challenge, we are hoping our team can raise money to support the guests who will use the shelter next winter.

“If you’ve signed up to run the half marathon but aren’t supporting a charity, it’s not too late to join the Hackney Winter Night Shelter team.”

Hackney Winter Night Shelter helps homeless people in the local community over the cold winter months, providing them with a hot meal and a warm bed seven nights of the week from November through to March.

Donations to the Hackney Winter Night Shelter team can be made at https://mydonate.bt.com/teams/hwns and runners who wish to join the team should email morna.mackenzie@squiresanders.com