Lewes Moyleman marathon 2020: New measures introduced to reduce environmental impact

Organisers of the Lewes Moyleman marathon will not provide plastic cups or plastic bottles of water at this year’s race.
The Lewes Moyleman marathon will take place on March 15. Photograph: Barry CollinsThe Lewes Moyleman marathon will take place on March 15. Photograph: Barry Collins
The Lewes Moyleman marathon will take place on March 15. Photograph: Barry Collins

Runners are being asked to carry reusable containers or cups in line with new steps to further reduce the impact the race has on the environment.

There will also be no goody bags handed out at the finish line, which might have included flyers, plastic bands and t-shirts, and this year’s fixture is partnered with charity Re-Run to encourage runners to donate kit for re-use and recycling.

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Organisers of the 26.2-miler – which has the motto Leave only footprints, take only memories and takes in the high points of the South Downs – also encourage the use of public transport where possible and limit the number of places available, in part out of consideration for the impact on the countryside.

At the finish line last year, Moyleman race director Duncan Rawson and winner James Turner. Photograph: Barry CollinsAt the finish line last year, Moyleman race director Duncan Rawson and winner James Turner. Photograph: Barry Collins
At the finish line last year, Moyleman race director Duncan Rawson and winner James Turner. Photograph: Barry Collins

In a statement, race director Duncan Rawson said: “We are committed to seeking to reduce the impact this run has on the local environment and on the planet.

“Eliminating plastic where we can do so, working with local companies for our end of run refreshments, not creating give-away goody bags.

“By partnering with Re-Run this year we also hope to raise awareness of overuse of run kit – and get people to donate for re-use and recycling.

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Running is a fantastically healthy way to spend your time – we want to make it healthier for the planet too.”

Lewes Moyleman marathon will take place for its sixth year on March 15.

The fixture, which follows a course via Black Cap, Castle Hill, Firle Beacon, Mount Caburn and some of the South Downs Way, is named in memory of keen long-distance runner Chris Moyle who died of stomach cancer in 2009, aged 42.