[T]he stunningly beautiful 18th annual Haweswater Half Marathon race due to be held on Sunday 4th March at 11:30am by Penrith-based Eden Runners is taking an environmental leap forwards for 2018.
Chairman Shaun Silson said “as a club that promotes a healthy lifestyle we are delighted to be embracing the use of environmentally sustainable cups in our every-day lives and at our race events”. As such, the club, famous for its’ green and blue planetary club colours, are achieving ‘traceless water stations’ with runners being provided with water in ‘bio-plastic cups’.
Clare Kent, of Eden Runners, said “these cups are made of corn-starch. They may feel and look like plastic but they are 100% sustainable and 100% biodegradable. They will break down quickly into naturally occurring particles, and are even suitable for compost. We’ll be clearing them away in bio-plastic bin bags too so that our entire water station rubbish will have disappeared without a trace within only 12 weeks”.
Bampton Village Hall is also forging environmental policies for this special event by replacing their polystyrene cups and containers with compostable and sustainable alternatives.
With each of these changes in place, alongside replacing the 500 usual plastic water bottles, Eden Runners estimate that they will have saved upwards of 3,000 pieces of plastic rubbish from landfill in only one day.
Meaning the route, one of the most breathtakingly scenic road races in the country, really is a true celebration of natural beauty.
The half-marathon is a verified 13.12 mile course which passes through Bampton village before taking in a pleasantly challenging out and back stretch along the shores of Haweswater reservoir.
Justine Carruthers, Traybakes Managing Director, said “When you have exerted yourself on this beautiful but challenging course, you will be met at the finish with smiling faces, a cup of steaming hot tea in your very own race souvenir mug, and a delicious slice of Traybakes Flapjack”. Seeking inclusivity, a vegan/dairy-free option will also be available and Traybakes are providing collection bins to recycle or incinerate all associated packaging.
There is also a Juniors 2.5km race around Bampton Village, which can be entered on the day, starting just after the main race, making the event a fantastic family-friendly day out.
With Eden Runners and other spectators cheering everyone from first-timers to those battling at the front of the field, it’s no wonder that so many runners continue to return year-after-year to snap up one of the 500 available places. Prizes are on offer for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female, and for each category of V40, V50, V60 and V70.
Thanks to its’ hearty Cumbrian support, and a fantastic reputation for friendliness and organisation, entries are continuing to pile in. Ensure you don’t miss out on this eco-championing race by entering online today at Bookitzone.com with more information found at www.edenrunners.co.uk/haweswaterhalf
