- Finisher items all made from recycled materials for first time
- Water waste reduced with introduction of refill stations
- More than 70% of event vehicles are electric (EVs)
- New partnership with The Salvation Army to collect and recycle discarded clothing
- JogOn to collect unwanted running trainers for redistribution
The organisers of the Brighton Marathon Weekend have announced a range of initiatives to reduce environmental impacts ahead of this year’s events on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April.
As part of its commitment to greater sustainability, Brighton Marathon Weekend has signed up to the Brighton & Hove City Council Outdoor Events Charter which seeks to create the “best sustainable, community friendly and environmentally responsible outdoor events possible”.
Kate Chapman, Head of Sustainability at London Marathon Events, said: “Brighton as a city has always championed the environment and London Marathon Events is committed to driving positive change in environmental sustainability. This year we’re focusing on reducing water, textile and food waste alongside prioritising renewable energy sources and we’re making plans for more initiatives for 2025 and beyond.”
Participants in the 2024 Brighton Marathon and BM10K are being encouraged to carry a hydration belt or pack, which will enable them to hydrate in a way that suits them and at their own pace, making for a safer running experience.
In addition, for the first time, the 2024 Brighton Marathon has introduced water refill stations at the Start, Finish and at six points along the route, which will give participants the opportunity to refill their own hydration systems.
Runners will also be able to pass on any unwanted running trainers, by donating them at the JogOn drop point in Preston Park on either Saturday 6 April or Sunday 7 April. JogOn is a campaign working to keep running trainers out of landfill by collecting unwanted trainers and then re-distributing them to people who really need them.
Other sustainable initiatives include introducing medals made of recycled zinc alloy with a ribbon made from recycled materials, and creating the trophies for first, second and third place from recycled ocean plastic recovered from beaches on the south coast. Once again, participants have been offered the Trees Not Tees opt-out, enabling them to choose to have a tree planted instead of receiving a finisher’s T-shirt.
Electric vehicles will also be prioritised, provided by local car leasing dealership Rivervale. These will be used for vehicle needs across the event weekend, including the lead and tail cars, and moving people, barriers and other essential kit around the course.
A new partnership with The Salvation Army means that clothes discarded at the Start will be collected for resale or reuse rather than going to landfill.
The 2024 Brighton Marathon Weekend opens on Saturday 6 April with the Brighton Miles – a free, family-focused event. Registration for the Brighton Miles is open here.
Sunday 7 April features the BM10K and Brighton Marathon, entries for both events are now closed.
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