This event warned runners they’d be disqualified if they were seen dropping litter – Runner’s World (UK)

As runners, we are becoming more and more aware of the problem of single-use plastic at running races in the UK. While some events have taken to using paper cups to reduce the amount of single-use plastic on the course, one event in Wales this weekend warned runners they would be disqualified if they were seen littering.

The Conwy half marathon took place on Sunday 17 November. Ahead of the race, Run Wales organisers warned runners to be mindful of where they dropped their litter during the 13.1 mile race. A statement read, “Do not throw your bottle, energy gels in gardens [or] over walls. Where possible leave your litter at the nearest water station or with the nearest marshal where a bin is not available.

“Runners will be disqualified and taken off the results if seen discarding their rubbish outside of a water stop or not with a marshal. Plastic and its use is an increasing problem.”

Organisers have not yet announced if anyone was disqualified at yesterday’s race, but many runners praised the move, agreeing that plastic is a problem.

This follows a number of other race organisers reducing the impact their event has on the planet. At this year’s London Marathon, organisers trialled Ooho seaweed water pods and used compostable cups at some water stations instead of plastic bottles. This year’s Cardiff Half Marathon used 100% recyclable plastic bottles, recycled paper for all advertising and even recycled zinc for the medals.

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