WHAT RUNS A RUN · MARCH 1, 2026

Running Towards Sustainability: The London Marathon's Green Initiatives

In this episode of the What Runs Around podcast, host Kamal Datta chats with Kate Chapman, the head of sustainability at London Marathon Events. With over 20 years of experience in environmental initiatives, Kate discusses her journey from the marine environmental sector to leading sustainability efforts for major sporting events, including the London Olympics. She emphasizes the pressing waste problem in sports and the ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030 for the London Marathon, a target that was moved up from 2040 based on a commitment to environmental responsibility. Kate elaborates on various sustainability initiatives being implemented at the London Marathon, such as encouraging participants to opt-out of traditional finishers' t-shirts in favor of tree planting, introducing a carbon levy for international runners, and promoting the use of reusable hydration systems. She also highlights the importance of reducing waste generated during the event, including innovative solutions like using hydro-treated vegetable oil for generators and partnering with the Salvation Army to manage clothing waste. The conversation wraps up with Kate's vision for the future of sustainable running events, emphasizing the need for collective action and innovative practices to minimize environmental impact. Chapters

Running Towards Sustainability: The London Marathon's Green Initiatives38:22

CHAPTERS

SHOW NOTES

In this episode of the What Runs Around podcast, host Kamal Datta chats with Kate Chapman, the head of sustainability at London Marathon Events. With over 20 years of experience in environmental initiatives, Kate discusses her journey from the marine environmental sector to leading sustainability efforts for major sporting events, including the London Olympics. She emphasizes the pressing waste problem in sports and the ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030 for the London Marathon, a target that was moved up from 2040 based on a commitment to environmental responsibility.


Kate elaborates on various sustainability initiatives being implemented at the London Marathon, such as encouraging participants to opt-out of traditional finishers' t-shirts in favor of tree planting, introducing a carbon levy for international runners, and promoting the use of reusable hydration systems. She also highlights the importance of reducing waste generated during the event, including innovative solutions like using hydro-treated vegetable oil for generators and partnering with the Salvation Army to manage clothing waste. The conversation wraps up with Kate's vision for the future of sustainable running events, emphasizing the need for collective action and innovative practices to minimize environmental impact.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Sports

03:13 Kate's Journey in Environmental Initiatives

05:08 Ambitious Net Zero Goals for London Marathon

06:56 Sustainability Initiatives at the London Marathon

11:35 Carbon Levy and International Participants

12:31 Understanding Carbon Removal vs. Offsetting

16:22 Measuring Carbon Footprint of Participants

18:12 Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Initiatives

21:01 Spectator Waste Challenges

21:57 Innovative Fuel Solutions

22:53 Recycling Urine into Fertilizer

25:14 Clothing Waste Management

28:14 Future of Sustainability in Marathons

31:40 Sharing the Sustainability Playbook

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