Guides
5 THINGS TO DO ON RACE DAY
The Hackney Half Marathon is one of our favourite weekends in East London. From pre-run pastries at Pavilion Bakery to post-race pasta, pub stops and the ultimate wind-down bath at home, here are the five things we’d be doing on race day.
1. Start With Pastries At Pavilion Bakery
Before the race day chaos begins, we’re stopping at Pavilion Bakery for coffee and something buttery to carb load properly. Ideally eaten in the morning sun before heading towards the crowds gathering around Victoria Park.
2. Stretch It Out In Victoria Park
Even if you’re not running, Victoria Park is where the day starts. Stretching, walking laps, coffee in hand and people watching while the city wakes up around the race route.
3. Post-Run Pasta At Tiella
After 21.1.k, pasta is non-negotiable. We’d head to Tiella for something comforting, carb-heavy and ideally paired with a cold drink outside if the weather holds out.
4. A Pint At The Lauriston
Race day deserves a pub stop. The Lauriston is one of our favourite places to end up after a long walk through Hackney, especially when everyone spills out onto the street in the evening sun.
5. Running a Bath
The final ritual. Back home for a long soak with Shinrin-Yoku Bath Salts, Magnesium Spray and a proper wind-down after a busy day in East London. Recovery, but slower.
This is pretty much how we like to spend any weekend in East London, race day or not. Good coffee, long walks through the park, pasta, pub stops and ending the day with a proper bath at home.