Green Living: Marathon

I have huge respect for Marathon runners. I don't understand why any sane person would choose to run 26 miles rather than take the Tube but, as an example of the human spirit in action, it is certainly an inspiring sight.

This year, the London organisers are doing everything they can to ensure that the event is as sustainable as possible.

Of course, given that it's essentially just thousands of people running, you might think it's already pretty green.

But when you stop to think about the logistics of managing all those people, it's easy to see how transport, power and waste could be difficult to manage.

Some of the green initiatives used at this year's event will include a larger fleet of electric vehicles to deliver water and sports drinks along the route.

The route has been designed to be convenient for public transport, for runners and spectators alike.

And organisers are working with each of the six boroughs which the marathon passes through to ensure that waste is collected and recycled effectively. All of the Lucozade distributed along the route is packaged in fully recyclable bottles.

There is also a huge amount of sponsor branding along the route, and this year all of the material is being reused after the event in arts and crafts activities such as bunting.

I wish all of you who are running in this year's London Marathon the very best - I think you're all mad but nevertheless you deserve enormous praise. Maybe next year...

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