London Marathon sets a green example for sporting events

The recent London Marathon has offered an important lesson to sporting events around the world. A marathon usually involves a major public gathering that consumes energy, generates waste and leaves an environmental footprint. Organisers must therefore ensure that the celebration of sport does not come at the cost of nature. The 2026 TCS London Marathon has shown how environmental responsibility can become an integral part of sporting events. On October 5, World Athletics announced that the marathon had earned platinum-level recognition under its Athletics for a Better World Standard. It became the first mass-participation road race to achieve the highest level under the framework. The recognition followed an assessment of 55 action areas covering transport, waste, energy, procurement, community engagement and social impact.
What makes the London Marathon a model worth following is its practical approach. Organisers encouraged participants, volunteers and spectators to use public transport. Free travel was provided to participants, staff and volunteers on specified public transport services. Biofuels were used to power temporary generators, while the event’s energy planning increased the share of renewable energy. Measures were also introduced to improve air-quality monitoring along the course. These steps show that environmental responsibility requires planning long before the runners reach the starting line.
Waste management has been another important part of the initiative. Organisers reported that nearly 60 per cent of event waste was diverted from landfill and incineration. Local sourcing was encouraged, and food arrangements included plant-based options. Participants could also choose to have a tree planted instead of receiving a finisher T-shirt. Used clothing and footwear were collected for reuse, recycling or donation. Such measures may appear small individually, but their combined impact can be significant when an event attracts tens of thousands of runners and large crowds of spectators.
Other sporting events should learn from this example. Sustainability must not be reduced to planting a few trees or organising a cleanliness drive for publicity. It should be built into the entire event, from venue selection and transport planning to food, water, equipment and waste disposal. Organisers should set measurable targets, publish environmental reports and assess their performance after every event. Local authorities, sponsors, sports federations, businesses and participants must share responsibility. Reusable water bottles, refill stations, waste segregation, recycling points and better public transport can all make a difference. Wherever possible, local suppliers should be preferred to reduce transport-related emissions and support the local economy.
This lesson is relevant for all regions, where sporting events can promote tourism, encourage fitness and create economic opportunities. However, the region's natural beauty is also its greatest asset. Marathons, cycling competitions, trekking events and outdoor sports must be organised without damaging fragile landscapes, disturbing wildlife or leaving plastic waste behind. Event organisers should prepare waste-management plans, protect water bodies and sensitive habitats, and encourage participants to travel responsibly. Local communities must be involved in planning and benefit from the opportunities such events create.
Sport has the power to influence public behaviour far beyond the playing field. Athletes and sporting organisations can inspire people to adopt healthier and more environmentally responsible lifestyles. The London Marathon demonstrates that large sporting events can pursue excellence while taking their environmental duties seriously. Other organisers should follow this approach, adapting it to local conditions rather than copying it mechanically. The true success of a sporting event should be measured by the legacy it leaves behind. A race may finish in a few hours, but its environmental consequences can last much longer. The aim should be to ensure that sport leaves communities healthier, economies stronger and the natural world better protected.