Wizz Air has been announced as the new title sponsor of the Hackney Half marathon.
Europe’s fastest growing and most sustainable low-cost airline will headline the biggest half marathon in London, demonstrating Wizz Air’s ongoing commitment to the UK and local communities as well as promoting inclusive sports tourism and an active lifestyle for all.
The Hackney Half is one of the most iconic running events in the UK and welcomes runners from all over the country and beyond to the streets of East London. Runners can experience Hackney’s eclectic culture as they pass through the borough, getting a glimpse of its historic venues and vibrant street art in what feels more like a festival than a race.
The Wizz Air Hackney Half will take place on Sunday 21st May 2023, and expects to welcome over 25,000 runners, marking the latest addition to the airline’s successful partnerships with running events in European cities, including Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest and Skopje.
Race participants will receive a £15 voucher to make the most of Wizz Air’s already ultra-low fares, which bring improved connectivity, affordable fares and more choice to travellers across the UK. Wizz Air has nearly 70 routes from London Luton, one of the airline’s largest bases in its global network, and 30 routes from London Gatwick, flying to destinations across Europe and beyond. Whether it is a weekend break to Lisbon, a historical trip to Athens to discover the city’s ancient ruins or a relaxing holiday in Nice, Wizz Air has something for everyone.
In addition to headlining the Hackney Half, Wizz Air is also partnering with the Hackney Moves Festival, which brings together elements of culture, music, and fitness within the community. From 20th – 21st May 2023, the festival, which will take place in East London, is free to access, and includes events such as the Hackney 5k and the Hackney School’s Challenge.
Craig Dews, CEO, LimeLight Sports Group, said: “The Hackney Half has become an iconic, showcase event within the capital, it is immensely popular amongst first timers and experienced runners alike and the local Hackney community create an incredible atmosphere through their participation and support along the route.
“The partnership with Wizz Air will enable us to deliver an excellent experience for runners and spectators of the Hackney Half and will ensure that we can give back to the local community by keeping the Hackney Moves festival, Hackney 5k and Hackney Schools Challenge free to participate in for the next few years. Working with a successful European brand will also help expand the awareness of the event and put Hackney on the map across the continent.”
Marion Geoffroy, Managing Director, Wizz Air UK, added: “We are excited to be the headline sponsor for the Hackney Half marathon which demonstrates our continued commitment to the UK. At Wizz Air, our mission is to liberate lives through affordable travel, and we are passionate about supporting running events that do the same, by providing inclusive access to sport. This is why we are delighted to partner with the Hackney Half – an event which aligns with our sustainability credentials – whilst also supporting the local communities around our two UK bases, London Luton, and Gatwick. For those runners travelling from further afield to participate in the Wizz Air Hackney Half, we are thrilled to be able to offer affordable prices for them to travel to the race from across Europe. We hope this will be the start of a successful partnership for years to come.”
Wizz Air is committed to being the most sustainable airline in the skies and reducing its carbon emissions intensity by 25% by 2030. The airline has been continuously investing in an ultra-modern and efficient fleet, with 40% of all Wizz Air flights to and from London in 2022 operated by its most sustainable A321neo aircraft. In addition to its ambitious fleet renewal programme, Wizz Air is constantly working on fuel efficiency initiatives and improving the related data analytics to further drive down its emissions intensity.
The Wizz Air Hackney Half is open to runners of all abilities, from seasoned pros to first-time half-marathoners. Entries for the event are selling fast, so runners keen to take part are encouraged to secure their place as soon as possible. Tickets are now on sale at HackneyMoves.com.
