Key Points
- Single Homeless Project (SHP), a London-based charity, is the headline charity partner for the HOKA Hackney Half marathon in 2026, marking the first time a local charity has held this role.
- SHP has been an event partner for five years and is now stepping up as headliner, becoming the first non-national charity for the event, reinforcing local commitment.
- SHP aims to end homelessness in London by providing safe spaces and opportunities to over 10,000 people annually through crisis accommodation, prevention work, life skills, and employability training.
- Founded in 1975 by six homeless men in London to create change and end rough sleeping.
- Motiv Sports UK, organisers of HOKA Hackney Moves festival, attended an SHP sports programme session to celebrate; attendees played tennis with HOKA footwear.
- Sessions foster supportive community via physical activity for those impacted by homelessness, building confidence, connection, and routine.
- On race day, SHP will have a cheer station at mile 10 and a tent in the festival village for information, donations, and involvement.
- Cara Humphreys, Charity Partnerships Manager at Motiv Sports, stated delight at the partnership milestone and community focus.
- Chris Greenfield, Assistant Director of Fundraising at SHP, expressed excitement, noting 400 runners representing SHP, supporting shelter, domestic abuse aid, mental health, and homelessness pathways.
- Event organised by Motiv Sports UK; HOKA as title partner.
Hackney, London (Extra London News) May 11, 2026 – Single Homeless Project (SHP) has become the first local charity to headline the HOKA Hackney Half marathon as its 2026 charity partner, a milestone announced this week that underscores the event’s deepening ties to the London community.
The announcement highlights a shift for the popular half-marathon, organised by Motiv Sports UK as part of the HOKA Hackney Moves festival, which has traditionally featured national charities in the top spot. SHP, which has partnered with the event for five years, steps up to lead efforts next year, providing a platform to amplify its work against homelessness in the capital. This partnership arrives amid rising challenges, with the charity supporting over 10,000 people yearly through diverse programmes.
What is the significance of SHP headlining HOKA Hackney Half?
The selection of SHP as headline partner represents a historic first for the HOKA Hackney Half, with a London-based organisation taking the lead role previously reserved for national entities.
As reported in 4theloveofsport.co.uk, this move reinforces the half marathon’s commitment to local involvement, evolving from event partner to headliner after five years of collaboration.
Organisers Motiv Sports UK emphasise community as core to HOKA Hackney Moves. The official Hackney Moves site confirms SHP’s status, noting its founding in 1975 by six homeless men determined to end rough sleeping and ensure safe homes for all in London.
Today, SHP delivers crisis accommodation, prevention via skills training, and broader support, helping thousands find stability and hope.
This partnership aligns with the event’s growth; past editions saw over 7,000 runners represent more than 50 charities, raising significant funds like £2.4m previously.
Why was a local charity chosen now?
Cara Humphreys, Charity Partnerships Manager at Motiv Sports, explained the decision in a statement reported by 4theloveofsport.co.uk:
“We’re delighted that Single Homeless Project is the headline charity partner for HOKA Hackney Moves 2026. We have developed a brilliant relationship with their team over the years and this next step in that partnership is a really special milestone.”
She added:
“HOKA Hackney Moves wouldn’t be what it is without its community. We want to continue harnessing that connection, so it is fitting that a local charity should be the headline charity partner and a key driver in the future of this event. Thank you to SHP and all its supporters, we can’t wait to celebrate your efforts together in May.”
The timing reflects broader event trends, with Motiv Sports contacting partners like Cara Humphreys at chumphreys@motivsports.com for details.
What does the Single Homeless Project do?
SHP exists to end homelessness in the UK capital by providing safe spaces and opportunities to more than 10,000 people every year, as detailed across sources. The charity delivers programmes from crisis accommodation to prevention through life and employability skills training.
As per the Hackney Moves official page, SHP was founded in 1975 by six homeless men in London to drive change toward a future without rough sleeping, where everyone has a safe home and fulfilling life. It supports individuals to move beyond homelessness, be seen and heard, and gain stability.
Chris Greenfield, Assistant Director of Fundraising at Single Homeless Project, highlighted this in 4theloveofsport.co.uk:
“We are so excited that Single Homeless Project was chosen as this year’s Headline Charity Partner for the HOKA Hackney Half Marathon. This is an amazing opportunity to partner with one of London’s most popular and fun events.”
How will the partnership be celebrated?
Motiv Sports UK recently attended one of SHP’s sport programme sessions to mark the partnership, as covered by 4theloveofsport.co.uk.
These sessions offer physical activity to those impacted by homelessness, fostering supportive communities, confidence, connection, and routine.
Attendees played tennis wearing footwear provided by HOKA, the event’s title partner, giving organisers firsthand insight into SHP’s impact.
On race day in May 2026, SHP will maintain visibility with a cheer station at mile 10 along the route and a tent in the festival village for learning, donating, or volunteering.
Who are the key runners and supporters?
SHP boasts 400 incredible runners on the start line representing the charity, according to Chris Greenfield in 4theloveofsport.co.uk. He stated:
“We are constantly reminded of how challenging life is becoming for everyone, and that is why we are so immensely grateful that they are taking on this challenge to support fellow Londoners in moments of crisis. Their efforts are contributing towards safe and warm shelter for rough sleepers, support for women experiencing domestic abuse, bespoke mental health support and long-term pathways out of homelessness.”
The Hackney Moves charity page lists SHP prominently among dozens of partners, including Hackney Night Shelter, St Mungo’s, and others like Alzheimer’s Society and Macmillan Cancer Support, showing the event’s broad appeal. Runners must contact charities directly for spots, with 2026 places via SHP’s team.
What is the event’s history and scale?
The HOKA Hackney Half, part of HOKA Hackney Moves, is a sold-out fixture home to the half marathon, Community 5K, night run, and festival with live music and over 30 charities. Motiv Sports UK manages it, with past success raising millions.
For 2027, local partnerships are on a first-come basis, indicating high demand post-2026. HOKA, as title sponsor, provides gear like the tennis shoes in SHP sessions.
How can people get involved?
Interested individuals can visit https://www.hackneymoves.com/run-for-charity to learn more and join SHP’s team, as noted in 4theloveofsport.co.uk. The festival village tent and cheer station offer direct engagement on race day.
With thanks to New Reach, as credited in the original report. This partnership promises heightened visibility for SHP’s vital work amid London’s homelessness crisis.
