7
The Great Run Company
2025 Environmental Report
Total Carbon footprint (incl. Participant Travel)
Total Carbon Footprint
80.0% 4,221.09t CO2e
Travel & Transport
11% 5.9% 2.2% 0.3% 0.2% 312.56t CO2e 118.51t CO2e 16.79t CO2e 9.37t CO2e <0.1% <0.1% <0.1% <0.1% <0.1% 4.19t CO2e 4.07t CO2e 3.56t CO2e 0.26t CO2e 0.04t CO2e 583.02t CO2e
Kit & Clothing
Including Participant Travel
To maintain year-on-year consistency and avoid data distortion, we present a secondary view that isolates the ‘Operational Footprint.’ This figure represents the emission sources where GRC holds direct authority to implement policy - such as mandating 100% rPET for t-shirts or HVO for generators. Why this distinction is critical: Separating these totals prevents a “ Masking Effect ” where operational wins are drowned out by travel volume. • Scenario: If GRC achieved a massive 50% reduction in waste emissions, this success would represent a <0.1% change in the Total footprint because travel emissions are so vast. • Solution: By stripping out travel, this metric serves as a precise KPI for our procurement teams. It allows us to clearly track the efficacy of supply chain decisions - specifically the transition to renewables and circular materials - without the data being skewed by external logistics. Excluding Participant Travel The Great Run Company prioritises reduction over offsetting. At this stage, we do not purchase carbon credits to claim “Carbon Neutrality” because we believe our resources are better invested in direct reduction projects - such as reducing meat-based options and procuring sustainable materials - that permanently lower our footprint. We will review this position annually as we approach our Net Zero target.
Giveaways
Total emissions 5,301.990 tCO2e
Food & Drink
Reporting this total ensures transparency and prevents “greenwashing.” By capturing the full scope of our events, we acknowledge that the mass movement of participants is an inherent, albeit indirect, consequence of our business model. The inclusion of participant transit data illustrates the true scale of this challenge. The Great North Run alone contributes over 40% of the company’s entire annual footprint, driven by the substantial distances travelled by its national and international field of runners. While we cannot mandate how a participant travels, reporting this figure drives us to influence behaviour through active interventions - such as arranging specific public transport options and incentivising low-carbon travel.
Accommodation
Printed Materials
Branding and Signage
Waste
Fuels
Excluding Participant Travel
Energy
Operational emissions 1,204.537 tCO2e
Water Treatment
5,273.50tCO2e
Total Carbon Footprint (incl. Participant Travel) *N.B this figure excludes HQ operations
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