Sustainability
We are working to make the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich ever more sustainable and environmentally friendly because we believe that every action we take, no matter how small, can have a positive impact on the future.
We are acting in different areas related to the event to make improvements wherever possible: waste, emissions, associated products, supply chain and training.
Waste collection and recycling
Eliminating plastic bags
In 2018, we replaced plastic runner’s bags with reusable gymsacks.
Along the same lines, in 2019 we also eliminated the plastic bags handed out at the finish line containing the final set of goodies, which at that time meant a saving of around 100,000 bags between the two races in that first year alone.
Waste collection
The “Run, Recycle and Breathe” campaign is being implemented once again in collaboration with Ecoembes during the races, and various yellow bins (for cans, cartons and plastic containers) and blue bins (for paper and cardboard) will be installed both at the race trade fairs and along the route.
Thanks to this measure, 9,440 kilograms of waste were recovered in 2024. Of this, 5,040 kilos was plastic containers, cans and cartons (yellow bin). The remaining 4,400 kilograms was paper and cardboard waste (blue bin).
Bottle-to-bottle initiative
In 2019, together with Coca-Cola and Ecoembes, a pioneering initiative in Spain and worldwide related to recycling packaging waste and the circular economy was launched: Bottle to Bottle.
Thanks to this project, the nearly 11,000 kilos of plastic packaging generated at the 2019 Valencia Marathon were turned into one million Aquabona bottles made from 25 per cent recycled plastic, which were used at the 2020 Valencia Marathon Elite Edition.
Collecting clothes
The La Casa Grande association in Valencia is organising a charity collection of clothing and sports equipment at the Valencia Half Marathon trade fair.
A la lona de València
The banners used during the event are turned into new products thanks to Rincón de Velluters, an association dedicated to the social and occupational integration of people with mental health problems, which, under the name “A la lona de Valencia”, transforms them into bags, backpacks, wallets and other everyday items.
EMISSIONS
Hyundai ECO vehicles
All the vehicles used to support the race are driven by Hyundai’s ECO technology. The lead car is a Hyundai KONA, and a fleet of ECO vehicles consisting of Hyundai SANTA FE hybrid and plug-in hybrid, TUCSON plug-in hybrid and the 100% electric version of the KONA is used by the organisers for their travel needs.
The motorcycles used during the race are mostly Yamaha NEO electric motorbikes, which, thanks to their low weight, tyre size and excellent manoeuvrability, allow the riders to move nimbly around the course, as well as being quiet and efficient.
RENFE agreement
All the runners and their families get at least a 10% discount on their train travel to Valencia on the days of the event, promoting sustainable transport.
PRODUCTS
Trophies
The trophies for the fun runners are made from sustainable materials.
Gymsacks
Plastic bags have been replaced by reusable gymsacks (non-woven fabric).
Ponchos
In the marathon, non-recyclable thermal blankets have been phased out and participants have been given the option to purchase reusable thermal ponchos.
supply chain
- Paperless communications with runners and suppliers
The official magazine is printed on PEFC-certified paper (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
AIR QUALITY MONITORING
The Valencia Half Marathon, in collaboration with Valencia City Council’s Noise Pollution and Environmental Analysis Service, works to share real-time information on the city’s air quality.
You can check real-time information on this link for the different monitoring stations around the city, along with the location of the monitoring stations and validated data on this link.
AWARDS
The Valencia Marathon has worked hard to be awarded the Green Sport Flag, the Spanish plan to promote environmental action within sport, which is a validation system for sporting events that want to be recognised for being environmentally friendly and committed to caring for the environment in the place where they are held.
Athletics for a better world
In 2024, World Athletics certified us as being compliant with its Athletics for a Better World Standard, which recognises sustainability and social responsibility in global athletics organisations, events and federations.
TRAINING
Runners are provided with information on recycling and waste reduction initiatives during the race fairs for both events by a team of 100 volunteers.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich has received certification from Bureau Veritas, recognising the commitment shown by Sociedad Deportiva Correcaminos to quality and sound management in the organisation of the event.
This distinction endorses our efforts to maintain the highest standards in each event and to continue improving in order to offer the best experience to all our participants.
