Green Marathon Partnerships

RunCzech running circuit has partnered with Foopak Bio Natura to replace plastic cups with sustainable paperboard cups across its ten-event series in the Czech Republic. Foopak Bio Natura cups, made from certified compostable and recyclable paperboard, were first introduced at the Prague Half Marathon where 120 000 plastic-free cups were distributed. Over the series, Foopak supplied more than 500 000 cups, including 250 000 at the Prague International Marathon, 150 000 and 60 000 at the Mattoni Running Festivals, and 40 000 at the Birell and Adidas Women’s Race. These cups integrate seamlessly into existing recycling streams without requiring separation of paper and plastic, comply with industrial and home composting standards under EN 13432, meet PFAS-free criteria, and adhere to food safety regulations in the US, EU, and China.

The collaboration aims to reduce environmental impact by substantially lowering single-use plastic waste generated at marathon hydration stations. Initial results indicate a significant decrease in plastic disposal volumes, supported by waste sorting protocols and on-site recycling that maintain high material recovery rates. The initiative complements RunCzech’s wider sustainability measures, which include free public transport for participants, use of electric vehicles for race support, elimination of disposable sponges, and digitalisation of event materials. Beyond the Czech Republic, Foopak Bio Natura cups have also been deployed at running events in Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia, demonstrating the scalability of this approach for large-scale sporting events globally.

Image Credit: