Sustainability

At the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich we are working to make our events increasingly 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 working in different areas of the event to bring improvements where possible: waste, emissions, products, supply chain and training.

Waste collection and recycling

Eliminating plastic bags

In 2018, the plastic runner’s bags were replaced by reusable gymsacks. Similarly, in 2019, the plastic bags at the finish line (where the final refreshments are delivered) were also eliminated, saving around 100,000 bags between the two races in that first year alone.

Waste collection

In collaboration with Ecoembes, the ‘Run, Recycle and Breathe’ campaign will be launched during the races and different containers, yellow for cans, briks and plastic containers and blue for paper and cardboard containers, will be placed both at the ExpoDeporte and along the route.

At the Valencia Marathon 2022, which saw around 22,000 runners, a total of 15 tonnes of waste were recicled. Specifically, 11,550 kilos of plastic packaging and 3,700 kilos of cardboard. In this way, 3.27 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided, energy savings equivalent to the annual consumption of eleven two-person households and the daily water consumption of 1,050 people.

‘Bottle to bottle’ plastic bottles

In 2019, together with Coca-Cola and Ecoembes, an initiative was launched that is a pioneer in Spain and worldwide related to recycling packaging and the circular economy: Bottle to Bottle. Thanks to this project, the nearly 11,000 kilos of plastic containers that were generated at the Valencia Marathon 2019 became the one million Aquabona bottles made with 25 percent recycled plastic used in the Valencia Elite Edition Marathon 2020.

Clothing collection

For many years now, Koopera Cáritas Diocesana de Valencia has been collecting clothes and sports equipment at the Valencia Marathon Runners’ Expo. In addition, on the day of the race, they collect the warm clothes that the runners leave at the start. In 2019, more than 10,000 garments were collected and delivered to people in need, sold second-hand or recycled.

Valencia on the canvas

The canvas banners used during the event become new products thanks to Rincón de Velluters, an association dedicated to the social and workplace integration of people with mental health problems, which under the name ‘A la lona de Valencia’ transforms them into bags, backpacks, wallets and other objects for everyday use.

EMISSIONS

Urban transport agreements

The Valencia Marathon reaches agreements to promote the use of public transport among runners and citizens.

In 2022, an agreement was reached with the Generalitat and Metrovalencia, which gave each runner a voucher with four journeys to spend over the weekend on journeys in the ABC zone.

Hyundai ECO Vehicles

All the vehicles used during the race use Hyundai ECO technology. The lead car is a Hyundai IONIQ 5, which produces no emissions into the atmosphere, and a fleet of ECO vehicles consisting of the Hyundai SANTA FE hybrid and plug-in hybrid, TUCSON plug-in hybrid and the new KONA in its 100% electric version is used for the organiser’s journeys.

RENFE agreement

All runners and their families have a minimum 10% discount on travel to Valencia during the days of the event on RENFE trains, promoting sustainable transport.

PRODUCTS

Trophies

The trophies for the Spanish winners are made from sustainable materials.

Gymsacks

Plastic bags have been replaced by reusable gymsacks (non-woven textile material).

Ponchos

In the marathon, the thermal blankets that cannot be recycled have been withdrawn and the option of purchasing reusable thermal ponchos has been introduced.

supply chain

Elimination of paper in runner and supplier communications
The official magazine is produced on PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified paper.

DISTINCTIONS

The Valencia Marathon has worked to receive the Green Sport Flag, the Spanish sports action plan for the environment, which applies an award system to sporting events that want to distinguish themselves for being kind and respectful of the environment and committed to the area in which they take place.

TRAINING

One hundred volunteers advise the runners on recycling and waste reduction during ExpoDeporte.