There was quite a lot of whizzing involved in the Wizz Air Hackney Moves Half Marathon and Hackney 5K at the weekend (17 – 18 May 2025). Perhaps the 'whizziest' among nearly 24,000 runners was Hugo Fry – a sub-2:20:00 marathon runner for Belgrave Harriers – who was on the podium for both races!

Hugo warmed up with third place in 16:55 in the Hackney Moves 5K on Saturday before crushing a massive 20,901-strong field in a mere 1:06:53, alongside his Belgrave teammate Chris Bruchhausen, in the Wizz Air Hackney Moves Half Marathon on Sunday morning.

Hackney Moves is a fusion of culture and movement with a vibrant Hackney Marshes Race Village and Fitness Festival. The Hackney Schools' Challenge and Hackney 5K are free to enter. The Hackney Moves Festival features a Main Stage, the House of Fitness, and the House of Wellness, with almost 30 performers, fitness instructors, and wellness leaders.

The 5K race was won by Elias Ahmed (Ealing Southall & Middlesex, 16:07) from Olmo Veleyos Hernando (Southwark, 16:48) and Hugo Fry (Belgrave Harriers, 16:55). The top three women were Sofie Lindevall (Candy Racing Sweden, 18:55), Melody Rodriguez (19:49) and W45 Marta Acosta (unattached, 20:10). The leading 65 athletes beat 20 minutes and 2,995 finished.

Hugo Fry and his Belgrave club colleague Chris Bruchhausen from South Africa dominated the Hackney Moves Half Marathon the following day. Fry was given the nod by the finish line judge in 1:06:53, with Bruchhausen awarded the same time in a personal best by 97 seconds. Third place was secured by Jacob Pickering (Western Tempo, 1:07:20 PB).

Becky Briggs (City of Hull AC, 1:14:20) won a high-class women's race from Anya Culling (Clapham Chasers, 1:16:41) and Australian athlete Ciara Boyd-Squires Long (Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets, 1:17:59).

Hackney Moves Half Marathon crosses 12 canals and rivers, and enjoys panoramic views of the London Olympic Park. Other course highlights include historic Broadway Market, vibrant street art of Hackney Wick and wonderful green spaces like Hackney Downs, Haggerston Park, London Fields, Victoria Park, Well Street Common and Mabley Green.

Results and previous reports are at the runABC South race listing here.

Image courtesy of Hackney Moves on Facebook