Motiv Sports, the team behind the immensely popular Hackney Half marathon, are a few weeks away from hosting their brand-new race, Saucony Run Shoreditch.
The event, which is a 10k distance, takes place on 21 September and is their third in the capital this year, after the Saucony London 10k, in July, and Hackney Half, in May. Both of those experienced record sell-outs in recent years with the latest Hackney Half selling out in just two days.
So, why Shoreditch? During a recent team bike ride along the new event route, we got to ask the Motiv Sports team exactly that, and more…
Q: What stood out about Shoreditch as the right place for your next event?
A: Ian Allerton, Managing Director
“With much-loved, high-energy, closed-road races already established in Central London and Hackney we wanted to bring another top-tier event to a new neighbourhood.
“Thanks to our strong relationships with East London stakeholders, Shoreditch felt like the perfect next step. It’s such an exciting part of the city with a vibrant independent food and drink scene, beautiful architecture, green spaces and a distinctive energy all of its own that we knew would make a great location.”
Q: Are there any activations that you are particularly excited about?
A: Maddy Verry, Customer Experience Manager
“As our title partner, Saucony will always bring excitement and innovation to the course. We know that Saucony perfectly fits with the Shoreditch vibe, so I’m excited to see what they showcase on the day.
“The local music and entertainment in an event are always a highlight. Seeing the community bring the streets of Shoreditch to life is something everyone should look forward to.”
Q: It’s your third event in London, what makes it so great for these events?
A: Rebecca Shaw, Senior Partnerships Manager
“London has such an incredible running culture. The rise of run clubs has been especially exciting, with more people coming together, connecting, and finding a real sense of community through running. Wherever you go, you’ll see runners out on the move, often in a t-shirt from one of our events.
“For me, one of the best parts is spotting those finisher t-shirts, whether it’s from a race years ago or from a couple of months ago. It’s a reminder of the experiences people have at our events and the memories they’ve made, and I can’t wait to see Saucony Run Shoreditch become part of that tradition.”
Q: What can runners expect from the route?
A: Liam Worthy, Race and Course Director
“As a bit of an overview, the route starts at Shoreditch Park, crossing Regents Canal and then as it goes up Southgate Road it goes through De Beauvoir village, and up to Newington Green.
“The route then heads back south through the pretty neighbourhood of De Beauvoir itself, before passing through Hoxton Street Market which is pretty iconic, and passing under the gantry which is a real juxtaposition between the old east London traders and modern coffee shops and pubs.
“Runners then get a view of central London straight ahead of them around the 9k mark, before looping back to the finish. Those are the best bits in, in my opinion, about the route.”
To view the full route map, visit: https://www.runshoreditch.com/route
Q: What message would you send to those thinking of signing up?
A: Lydia Murphy-Sullivan, Marketing Manager
“As the newest 10K in London, and one of very few brand-new races since the pandemic, this is a special opportunity to be part of something from day one. Grab a friend, join us in Shoreditch Park and be one of our founding runners.
“We’ll keep you entertained all the way round, reward you with a medal and tee at the end, and in ten years’ time it’ll be pretty cool to say you were at the very first Saucony Run Shoreditch.”
Q: What’s your favourite thing about working in mass-participation events?
A: Emily Whitaker, Head of Event Operations
“I love being around all the thousands of people being in the same place, at the same time, doing the same thing. It just generates an energy that can’t be captured elsewhere.
“I’m also always proud of our team, whether that’s during the event and we’re in the thick of it, or after when we know the job is done, it’s always great to celebrate the team’s brilliant work.”
To be part of the first ever Saucony Run Shoreditch, register now at: https://www.runshoreditch.com/
- Sam Simons
