VIRGIN SPORT IS FURTHERING ITS MISSION TO GO PLASTIC BOTTLE FREE, ELIMINATING HALF A MILLION SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES ACROSS ALL ITS EVENTS THIS YEAR
Earlier this year, Hackney Half became the largest race in the UK to eliminate plastic bottles from the race course. Our Virgin Sport team is delighted to announce that, at this weekend’s ASICS London 10K, we will be continuing to implement this initiative.
Virgin Sport has committed to eliminate single use plastic bottles at aid stations for all our 2019 events. We are proud that the Hackney Half 2019 was the largest race in the UK to move away from single use plastic bottles. We continue to develop a more sustainable strategy for keeping our runners hydrated in the forthcoming ASICS London 10k and Oxford Half.
IAN ALLERTON, RACE DIRECTOR, VIRGIN SPORT
At the three aid stations on the ASICS London 10K route, water will be provided in 100% recyclable cups, supplied by Magenta UK. The cup’s unique lining, with 51% less plastic than a standard paper cup, ensures it can be processed within paper recycling facilities in a closed-loop recycling process. This Sunday 21st July, 40,000 plastic bottles will be removed from the ASICS London 10K route and replaced with 100% recyclable cups.
LONG-LIFE NATURAL COTTON KIT BAGS
We are excited to announce that the ASICS London 10K will also be the first race organised by Virgin Sport to eliminate plastic kit bags; replacing them with long-life natural cotton tote bags.
OUR PARTNERS
We’re grateful to our partners who provide the critical support necessary to make this initiative a success.
At this year’s ASICS London 10K, Virgin Sport is teaming up with JUST Goods who will be providing recyclable JUST Water cartons at the ASICS London 10K finish line, eliminating an additional 19,000 single-use plastic water bottles.
The JUST Water carton is made primarily from paper, is fully recyclable and contains local, responsibly sourced spring water.
JUST is incredibly proud to join efforts alongside Virgin Sport at the ASICS London 10K to reduce plastic at the event. Together, we aim to inspire and show that a small change, such as changing your bottled water to a more sustainable option, is something we all can do to create a positive impact on our planet.
IRA LAUFER, CEO, JUST
On Tuesday 17th July, Will Smith announced JUST and Virgin Sport’s partnership and challenged Richard Branson to get training – to which he obliged!
In addition to JUST Goods we have partnered with the following brands to further Virgin Sport’s mission of creating more sustainable events:
- As part of ASICS’ commitment to reduce carbon emissions related to our products and operations, they are using recycled polyester fabric in the t-shirts. The textile in the shirts for the ASICS London 10k is made from recycled PET bottles. ASICS is working on several projects to close the loop of their products, including using recycled materials, collecting used gear and partnering with organisations like Worn Again to support technical development and scale up the recycling of used textiles into new textiles.
- Nuun shares Virgin Sport’s sustainability objectives and has invested in 100% recyclable cups for their electrolyte beverage at aid stations.
- Zipcar is the Official Vehicle Partner, encouraging participants to rideshare and use electric vehicles. The Zipcar e-Golf will be leading the ASICS London 10K, and festival goers can learn more about electric vehicles on the North Terrace.
The ASICS London 10K is taking place this Sunday, 21st July and is now completely sold out.
We look forward to seeing you lucky ones there!