The view of trees from the forest floor

Environment

Managing our environmental impact at the TCS London Marathon

Find out what steps we are taking to manage the environmental impacts of this incredible event.

Pre event

  • All international ballot participants have paid a carbon levy to help compensate greenhouse gas emissions associated with overseas travel. This is then spent on carbon removal credits.
  • Our entry system offers everyone the choice of having a tree planted instead of having a Finisher T-shirt through our partnership with Trees Not Tees
  • Runners can also choose to not take a medal 
  • You.Smart.Thing. 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

At the TCS London Marathon Running Show

  • New Balance event T-shirts are made from 100% recycled polyester
  • Bib numbers printed on-demand to reduce waste.
  • No single-use carpet this year in large areas of the Running Show and all carpet used is made from recycled material and is then sent to be recycled
  • Please donate your unwanted trainers through our partnership with JogOn.*
  • Come and find out more about what we’re doing and how you can play a part at our Sustainability Stand – and refill your water bottle at our water refill point.

On the day

  • Salvation Army will be collecting discarded clothing in the start assembly areas for re-use and recycling where possible
  • The finisher medals are made from recycled zinc
  • Kit bags are made from sugarcane, which is a type of bioplastic that is recyclable
  • There will be water refill stations at each start area and on the course (at Mile 7, 15 and 20) providing tap water from bowsers suitable for runners who are carrying their own container (hydration vest or hand-held running bottle)
  • Buxton Natural Mineral Water bottles are made of 100% 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.
  • Lucozade bottles are also made from 100% recycled plastic (excluding cap and label) and are collected separately, then sent for recycling
  • Cups used for Lucozade are sent for composting
  • HVO (vegetable oil) fuel is used in generators and in baggage lorries
  • Nissan electric vehicles are used on course as lead vehicles.
  • Nissan Leaf electric vehicle used to power the stage at Rainbow Row (Just past Mile 21)
  • There is free transport for participants and volunteers on the underground, DLR and some overground services
  • Those who have opted out of a medal can visit our Finish Line Selfie Station for a special finisher’s photo opportunity
  • There will be waste / recycling stations staffed by volunteers to help with better waste segregation at the Start and Finish areas