Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey was among 20,000 runners who took part in the Hackney Half Marathon.

Celebrities and athletes alike flocked to East London to take part in the Wizz Air Hackney Half marathon on Sunday, May 19.

The event has established itself as London’s largest half marathon, with 25,000 sign-ups this year.

Hackney Gazette: The runners on the starting lineThe runners on the starting line (Image: Motiv Sports)

Bridgerton actor Jonathan Bailey supported the LGBT+ young people’s charity Just Like Us as he ran the 13.1 miles.

Other names included international athlete Anya Culling and TV doctor Alex George.

Hackney Gazette: The half marathon is part of the Hackney Moves festivalThe half marathon is part of the Hackney Moves festival (Image: Motiv Sports)

Part of the larger Hackney Moves festival, the Half Marathon was a highlight of a weekend that hosted exercise groups and live entertainment at Hackney Marshes.

Former England rugby player James Haskell played a DJ set, while Hackney musician Paigey Cakey also performed.

The runners navigated a route that began at Hackney Marshes, led to the Hackney Empire live music venue, crossed Stonebridge Gardens, skimmed the Regent's Canal and reached Victoria Park before the final stretch through Hackney Wick.

Hackney Gazette: More than 20,000 runners completed the 13.1 milesMore than 20,000 runners completed the 13.1 miles (Image: Motiv Sports)

Yvie Lock of Thames Valley Harriers clinched the women's title, while Holly Archer and Anna Farello finished second and third, respectively.

Fredrick Hessian and Jonathan Escalante-Phillips were joint first for the men's title, crossing the line holding hands, with Alex Gladley finishing in third.

Hackney Gazette: Jonathan Bailey (in green), known for his role as Anthony Bridgerton, crossing the finish lineJonathan Bailey (in green), known for his role as Anthony Bridgerton, crossing the finish line (Image: Motiv Sports)

Yvie Lock, a 26-year-old who achieved the fastest female time of 1:15:25, said: "It feels really good to win.

"I can tell you, it didn't feel like it on the course.

"I got to about 15k and I was struggling.

"I just thought one foot in front of the other until the end, it was so hot, but the crowd really brought you through."

Hackney Gazette: English athlete Anya Culling also ran the half marathonEnglish athlete Anya Culling also ran the half marathon (Image: Motiv Sports)

This year's half marathon raised more than £2 million for charities, including the headline partner Alzheimer’s Society and local charities such as The Felix Project, Barts Charity, Hackney Night Shelter, and St Joseph’s Hospice Hackney.

Ian Allerton, director of operations for Hackney Moves, said: "For the second year in a row we’ve proudly seen 25,000 people sign up for the iconic Wizz Air Hackney Half.

Hackney Gazette: Yvie Lock, the fastest female runner, finished the race in 1:15:25Yvie Lock, the fastest female runner, finished the race in 1:15:25 (Image: Motiv Sports)

"This year places sold out in record time, but as the half marathon grows, we see the Hackney Moves festival in its entirety grow and truly become an exciting and vibrant celebration of East London."