Brighton Marathon
After the starting gun sounds at the Brighton Marathon on England’s south coast, the runners race across the countryside, past the tourist attractions, and down to the sea. For many Britons, this seaside town in East Sussex is a popular holiday destination. And to preserve the local quality of life, the organisers adhere to strict environmental standards. They have cut down significantly on single-use plastic items, replacing them with paper-based products that are recycled after the race. In the future, the plan is that each drinking station will have water lines where the runners can refill the reusable plastic bottles provided by the organisers. Event partner, Erdinger, is getting on board and serving its beer in cups made from cornstarch. And of course, all waste is recycled. Plus the organiser is certified under the ISO 20121 standard, which was introduced in conjunction with the London Olympics in 2012 – the first global standard for sustainable event management.
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Set against the backdrop of Cape Town’s famed Table Mountain, this marathon not only welcomes more runners than any other in Africa, but is also known for its green credentials. Its slogan, “Run4Change,” stands for its commitment to sustainability. The Cape Town Marathon has long since recycled or composted all its waste, and its water supply concept is also revolutionary. In keeping with the principle that every drop of water counts, the marathon organizers partner with the Bluewater Africa organization, which aims to make high-quality water available in regions of the world where this precious resource is scarce. Because eliminating the use of single-use plastic cups is also high on the organizer’s list, Bluewater provides large water tanks for marathon participants to refill their reusable bottles. The Cape Town Marathon also cooperates with charitable organizations that support causes such as educational opportunities for children, wildlife conservation, and women’s rights.