
Environment
Managing our environmental impact at The Big Half
Find out what steps we are taking to manage the environmental impacts of this incredible event.
Pre event
- Our entry system offers everyone the chance to opt out of a T-shirt and plant a tree through our partnership with Trees Not Tees.
- We also offer participants the chance to opt out of a medal.
- Our Green Travel Planning Tool helps participants with their travel plans - highlighting the lowest carbon travel methods and offering the option to make a voluntary donation to remove the carbon associated with their travel.
On the day
- The finisher’s medal is made from recycled zinc alloy.
- Kitbags are made from sugarcane, a type of bioplastic that is recyclable.
- Event T-shirts are made from 100 percent recycled polyester.
- There will be tap water refill stations at the Start, Finish and at three points along the route
- For runners choosing bottled water, Buxton Natural Mineral Water bottles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic (excluding cap and label) and are collected separately, returned to Buxton and recycled into new bottles. These are 250ml bottles, specially produced for London Marathon Events by Buxton and are designed to help save water and plastic.
- Cups used at Lucozade stations are composted.
- Many of the event vehicles are electric.
- Those who have opted out of a medal can visit our Finish Line Selfie Station for a special finisher’s photo opportunity.
- Recycling Zones and Keep Clean Zones on the route help to reduce event litter and improve recycling rates.
- Segregated waste stations collecting 4 different waste streams help improve recycling and composting rates in the Festival area.
- Clothing dropped at the Start Areas is collected and donated to the Salvation Army to be sold in their shops or recycled.
- Generators are powered with HVO (a vegetable oil fuel that replaces diesel).
- Unwanted (clean and serviceable) trainers can be donated at JogOn donation point at the Festival to be distributed to people who need them.