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The Great Run Company
2025 Environmental Report
Event
Product
Quantity
Total
Intensity Per item (kgCO2e)
Event Intensity (kgCO2e/person)
Emissions (kgCO2e)
The Shifting Baseline: Medals vs. Sponsorships Historically, the metal finisher’s medal was the primary driver of an event’s goods footprint. However, 2025 data reveals a shift. While medals remain the most iconic item, they are no longer the dominant source of emissions at our largest events. The Data: At the Great Manchester Run, the combined impact of sponsor items totalled nearly 49 tCO2e. In contrast, the medals generated just 4.5 tCO2e. The Insight: This data highlights a clear pathway for future reductions. By actively working with partners to choose lower-carbon alternatives (such as lightweight or plastic-free options) and reducing the volume of heavy, high-impact items, we can significantly lower the overall event footprint. The Material Shift: Recycled Zinc Recognising that the finisher’s medal is non- negotiable for the participant experience, our strategy focused on material innovation rather than elimination. We have successfully transitioned our procurement from standard virgin zinc alloy to 100% Recycled Zinc. The Impact: This switch delivers an approximate 60% reduction in emissions compared to virgin zinc. Carbon Saving: By using recycled materials, we save approximately 0.20 kgCO2e per medal. This innovation is the primary reason why medals now account for a relatively small fraction of our total footprint.
0.25 0.05 0.15 0.14 0.11 0.96 0.04 0.06 0.29 0.26 0.29 0.25 0.40 0.14 0.15 0.04 0.25 0.05 0.15 0.14 0.96 0.11 0.07 0.26 0.29 0.29 0.36 0.14 0.20 0.11 0.06 <0.01 0.10 0.06 0.08 0.06
9,762 3,104 2,928 2,901 2,148 1,442
39,046 58,569 19,523 21,450 19,523 1,500 20,373
Deodorant Hydration Sachet Energy Bars Medals Oat Bars Caps Finisher Bags Flaxseed Sweets Cowbells Foam Fingers
1.14 kg
Great Bristol Run
754 538 492 361 44
8,533 1,700 1,400 150
3,950 3,160 1,238 1,185 292 3,191 2,028 1,915 1,914 1,778 1,404
15,800 7,900 9,150 7,900 7,900 12,764 38,292 12,764 14,150 1,850 12,765 13,414 1,850 1,300 200 7,120 5,945 2,300 2,900 5,000 6,000 2
Deodorant Epsom Salts Medals Energy Bars Finisher Bags
Great North 10k
1.07 kg
Deodorant Hydration Sachets Energy Bars Medals Caps Oat Bars Kit bags Cowbells Sweets Foam Fingers Protein Shakes Medals Cereal Bar Oat Bars Flaxseed Luggage Tag Bamboo Trophy
Great Birmingham Run
1.00 kg
950 477 376 59
2,563 804 460
Great North Swim
0.91 kg
319 315 18 0 151 133 133
2,330 1,705 2,330
rPET Lanyard Slate Medal Medal Patches
13 Valleys
0.24 kg
Beyond London Beyond Bristol
0.14 kg
0.14
125
925
Finisher Medal
0.14
79
585
Finisher Medal
0.14 kg
Beyond Manchester Beyond Newcastle
Finisher Medal
0.14
0.14 kg
66
485
0.13 kg
0.13
89
660
Finisher Medal
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