Sustainability

We are constantly striving to improve the sustainability of all of our events and business as a whole. Below you can read about our sustainability ambitions and targets from the 2024 Cancer Research UK London Winter Run. We will be updating this page in the lead up to the 2025 event with the very latest information.

For this event we work closely with councils in Westminster, the City of London and Camden, along with all our suppliers, to reduce the impact on the environment. Our overall approach for 2022 is to reduce, re-use and recycle wherever possible.

We have made a conscious decision to not make changes for PR reasons, or to appear disingenuous on the subject. We realise there are many different areas and aspects to be worked on and improved over time, and endeavour to do so, and be open and transparent about our progress.

HUMAN RACE CARE POLICY

Our goals on sustainability fit into our overall CARE policy within the work we are doing on the environment. CARE stands for

C-harity

A-ccesibility

R-esponsibility

E-nvironment

Within the environment pillar we commit to ensure our company and events are run as sustainably as possible to minimise our impact on our planet. We’ll be covering more of the work of the CARE policy in future articles.

Human Race are also chairing a group of other leading event organisers to find solutions across the industry where we meet regularly to share feedback and insights into how we tackle our common challenges.

LONDON WINTER RUN SPECIFICS

We are busy looking thoroughly at all areas of the event to find ways to reduce our impact. Below is an overview of each of the areas, and how we are progressing on our sustainability journey, which will be continually updated as we go on the run up to the event

Recycling and Reducing Waste

We’re proud to partner with South Downs Water, our Official Mineral Water Supplier, bringing you English Natural Mineral Water in infinitely recyclable cans at the finish line.

What makes South Downs Water a truly sustainable choice?

  • Locally Sourced: South Downs Water is drawn from an artesian well located 420ft below ground level at the foot of the South Downs National Park. Bottled and canned directly at the source, it travels a short distance to London, keeping carbon emissions low while delivering naturally filtered, high-quality water.
  • Eco-Conscious Packaging:
    • Infinitely Recyclable Cans that can be reused endlessly.
    • 100% Recycled Plastic Bottles (rPET), cutting down on plastic waste.
  • Greener Deliveries: Optimised delivery routes minimise unnecessary travel, further reducing emissions.

South Downs Water is committed to sustainability every step of the way – from source to sip. By supporting local, sustainable water, they’re reducing their environmental impact while keeping you refreshed. Learn more about South Downs Water here.

Race Packs & Pre-Event Communication

  • Our extensive event guide is 100% digital and sent to participants via email, removing the need for any printing
  • Participants register exclusively online, and all further event updates are sent via email and/or are posted on social media
  • Run packs are posted out in a recyclable paper envelope
  • Your personalised run number included is made from firstron material which is recyclable, however the timing chip attached is currently not, so this will need to be removed before recycling the rest.
  • Our welcome letter is now made from recyclable material

Bag Drop

  • Each runner has been supplied with a blue drawstring bag in their race pack. Thanks to feedback from participants at our previous events, these bags are now made from recyclable material (sugarcane with a cotton rope handle) and we encourage you to keep and reuse your bag after the event.

Finish Line Items & Gifts

  • Medals are ordered early to ensure they can be delivered by sea rather than air freight. They are designed to be kept as a memento by participants. Any remaining medals after the event are recycled
  • No leaflets or paper will be given out at the event
  • All leftover/unclaimed medals will be recycled by an external company