Supporters came out in force to wave banners, cheer and applaud as 13,000 runners pounded 13 miles around the streets for the second Run Hackney half marathon on Sunday.

The race was officially started at Hackney Marshes by local athlete and double European indoor champion in 400m hurdles, Perri Shakes-Drayton.

The flat course took them past some of Hackney’s best-kept parks and key landmarks, like the Hackney Empire and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

After the half marathon runners have all crossed the start line, around 1,000 local primary school children will complete the final 1.1 miles of the Schools’ Challenge, which has seen them all running a mile a week ahead of the event to clock up 12 miles before race day.

Elite runner Matthew Kimutai was first to cross the finish line, with an astonishing time of 1:03:21, and Katy Webster won the women’s race in 01:17:38. The wheelchair race was won by Doug Stone in a time of 01:54:46.

“I love the enthusiasm and vibe here today and the weather also helped,” said Perri.

“The kids’ focus on their run is amazing - some of them looked really competitive and were taking it seriously which I like.

“But some of them just seemed to be having fun and a great time which is just as good, enjoying activity is the best way to start.

“My message to anyone who is inspired to run having taken part or watched the 5K yesterday and the half marathon today is to use this as your start point, your benchmark. Go forwards from here to improve your fitness or your time - or both.”

A free 5K run around Hackney Marshes for 2,000 runners, many of whom were new to the sport, kicked off the weekend of running on Saturday, culminating in the full 13-mile race on Sunday morning.