Eco Marathon

Since 2009, the Eco Marathon sets its starting blocks on multiple events per year, primarily around Tokyo. The original idea comes from Germany 🇩🇪. The race director, Jürgen Wittstock, is a German ultramarathoner well-versed in sustainability. This man used to teach at the national university of Seoul and at Keio. The purpose of the Eco Marathon circuit is clear: to create a sustainable sporting event and promote international exchanges. In short, you run, you travel, and you do it right! 🏃‍♀️

At the starting line, forget noisy and polluting generators. Here, the background music and timing system run on solar panels. Your leading vehicle? 🚘 It's not a motorcycle but a bicycle. As for equipment, the rule is simple: we recycle. Don't throw away your bib number once you cross the line, it's made from materials designed to be reclaimed and reused. The same goes for participation certificates: no paper on the big day, you download your diploma online after the race ♻️. To reduce CO2 emissions, some goods for the event will be transported by bicycle and participants are encouraged to use public transportation 🚌.

By taking your bib number, you're also part of a collective effort. A portion of the race's proceeds are donated to social and environmental organizations, like Second Harvest Japan or the International Refugee Assistance Association. The event also supports the revitalization of certain remote regions in the country.

And what about the medal? 🥇 At registration, there's no classic t-shirt that will end up at the bottom of a drawer. You receive a backpack, intended to be useful during your regular training. The winners, they leave with an eco-friendly bag. So, if you want to discover Japan with your running shoes, from the 5 km to the marathon, the Eco Marathon is a solid option.

Ready to take on a green bib? 🍃