The Old Vitality Run Hackney event, which I last took part in back in 2015, has been replaced with a rebranded event under the banner of the newly formed Richard Branson enterprise, Virgin Sport Now going under the title of the VS Hackney Festival it promised to re energise the running scene, and combine the half marathon with a festival of fitness whilst bringing the local community together.for the day.

Based on the vast Hackney Marshes recreation field, there was an impressive race hub, with stages set up for bands to play upon, fitness guru's to lead a mass warm up/warm down session, plenty of vendors with the usual hot drinks and food offerings, and even a barber to give you that all imporatnt pre race hair cut and hipster beard trim. As I was asked to pace at the event I was fortunate enough to be able to get ready in theHackney Marshes Volunteer building, with good toilet facilities, which caused the only grumble I heard about the start/finish area for the runners, a lack of portaloos. Big queues were seen at the ones that were on site.

Again as I was a pacer arranged through Virgin Sport, my registration was fairly simple, and I understand that the event website provided a good, with a few niggles, service for people to sign up.

Race packs were sent out in advance, with a Chip mounted race bib, plastic kit bag for the baggage drop and brief instructions for the day.

As a lot of roads were closed around the area,so it was suggested that runners should park in the Westfield shopping Centre car Park, and walk to the event, a good 25 to 30 minute walk, no excuse for not being warmed up. Some cycled to the event and it was good to see a lot of bike racking available on site for those that did

The pre race entertainment involved a "Stretch with Rich" session, a chance for the lucky few to limber up alongside Sir Branson, who also, along with Virgin Sport CEO Mary Wittenberg (prviously in charge of the New York Marathon), sounded the race hooter.

Runners were in pens based on predicted finish times, these pens were well indicated on the start line, and there were plentiful pacers gatherd from local running clubs and individuals on hand. Most pacers ran in their usual running gear with flags and backpacks, but Myself and Paul Addicott took on the challenge of wearing a Virgin Sport body Morph Suit for our roles....which was probably in hindsight, not the best of ideas!

The course itself took in most of the Hackney area on closed roads, and was very well supported by the local community, residents lining the streets throughout giving great vocal support and offering jelly babies. Run clubs set up cheers points with loud music and cheers on hand which complimented the locals well.

Water stations were frequent and marshalled well, bottled water being handed to runners, although the Lucozade stations were decanting bottles into cups to hand out, which is not always the easiest to drink from on the run.

A couple of run through mist showers were welcomed by many as the sun had graced up with its presence and it was warming up nicely.

The route had changed from the previous Run Hackney race, and did not involve running trough the Olympic park as much as in previous years, it used more of the outer service roads around the park, although it did pass the Copper Box en route back to the finish area

There appeared to be a very good medical presence on the route, and as pacers we were given a little emergency bag for any niggles runners may have during the race, we carried a basic supply of plasters, jelly beans, vasoline and hair bands if needed!

Post race, runners were handed a medal, and a Virgin Sport tote bag, which you were then instucted to fill with goodies as you walked the length of the finish chute, water, lucozade, fruit, crisps and dried mango treats were on hand along with a finishers tee shirt. Some improvements here could be made as it turned into a bit of a free for all at times, with runners grabbing all they can, and the tee shirt distributions wasn't clear as to which was Mens or Womens sizes.

After the race the festival continued with drinks music and food, and later in the day a smaller 5.5k race also took part. Unoffical results were available online that evening and also via a smartphone app

Some people have remarked upon the price being expensive for a half marathon, which Virgin Sport have countered with by syaing that price also includes free race photographs.

To sum up, an enjoyable day, with a few issues to address, toilets, parking, past race goodie bags etc, but an interesting venture into Virgin Territory, with other "Fitness Festivals" of this sort planned for the British 10K (formally Vitality series) in July and Oxford in October