Hackney Half Cheer Squad: Energy, Heroes, and the Best of Humanity

After wrapping up another joyful and energetic Sunday morning at London Fields Junior parkrun, Louise and I were straight onto the next mission—cheering on the incredible runners of the Hackney Half Marathon as part of the GoodGym cheer squad.

With logistics in mind, Louise took off on foot to make sure she got her 6km in (classic Louise!), while I hopped on my bike to get there a little faster. However, the event's impressive barrier and crowd control setup made it trickier than expected to reach the official cheer point.

Two Locations, One Mission. In the end, Louise found herself near the ABBA Voyage stall (an oddly fitting soundtrack to a half marathon), while I ended up at a lively bend just past Mile 11, near the Victoria Park gate. Not quite the original plan, but it turned out to be a brilliant spot.

From that bend, I had a front-row seat to one of the most uplifting, high-energy moments I’ve witnessed. Thousands of runners streamed past, each one giving it their all. I cheered for as many as I could—over a thousand, I reckon—until my voice finally gave out!

There were some familiar faces in a sea of inspiration I managed to spot a few fellow GoodGym legends. The Amazing Emma was flying—absolute powerhouse! I know Chi and Hackney Sooz were running too, though I missed them in the blur. I was so please to see Nick M that I stopped him for a chat, he was on for an incredibel time (sorry Nick hope i didnt ruin it) and Dylan B? A total blur of speed and focus. So many friends and familiar faces giving it their all—it was inspiring beyond words.

What stood out the most, though, was the overwhelming sense of purpose. The spectrum of charity vests worn by runners said it all: MAP, Amnesty International, and so many more. Each runner represented not just themselves, but a cause, a story, a reason to keep going. It felt like a powerful snapshot of the best of humanity—community, compassion, and determination in action.

From the youngest parkrunners earlier in the morning to the half marathoners powering through Mile 11, it was a day full of heart and energy. Being part of it—even from the sidelines—was a privilege.

To everyone who ran, volunteered, cheered, or supported: you are all heroes. What a beautiful day for Hackney, and for the human spirit.