Thousands of supporters are expected to line the streets on Sunday, to cheer on the 15,000 runners pounding the streets for the third Vitality Run Hackney half marathon.

The 13-mile route which starts and finishes at Hackney Marshes, passes by some of Hackney’s best kept parks and key landmarks, including the iconic Hackney Empire and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The race is for runners of all abilities, from elite international athletes to first-time runners.

Starting at 9am from Hackney Marshes, runners will pass by Hackney Downs, Mare Street, Broadway Market in London Fields, Victoria Park Road, and onto the Olympic Park before crossing the finish line back in Hackney Marshes.

Elite runners are expected to finish just after 10am with the majority of runners completing the course between 10.45am to 11.45am.

Live music is planned along the route for a carnival-like atmosphere, and there will be music, refreshments and family entertainment in the Race Village on Hackney Marshes.

After the half marathon runners have all crossed the start line, around 1,250 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.

Anyone needing to travel on Sunday morning is urged to plan well in advance, as many of Hackney’s streets will be closed from 7am.

They will re-open once runners have completed each section and it is safe and feasible to do so, and most roads should be open by 2pm.

Jon Ridgeon, Vitality Run Hackney race ambassador, said: “The Vitality Run Hackney Half Marathon is quickly becoming established in the local and running race calendars. The closed-roads, urban route is popular with both novice and experienced runners and the unique Hackney support and party atmosphere makes it a very special event whether people are pushing for a personal best or simply out to enjoy a spring half marathon amongst friends and supporters.”