Bologna Marathon: a model for sustainable sports events

The Bologna Marathon is an annual running event held in the capital of Emilia-Romagna, attracting thousands of participants from around the world. More than just a sporting competition, the event serves as a model of sustainability, demonstrating how large-scale events can effectively minimise their environmental impact. Through a combination of waste management strategies, circular economy initiatives, and social responsibility efforts, the marathon has set a high standard for sustainable practices in sports.

Since its inception in 2019, the Bologna Marathon has continuously introduced and refined initiatives aimed at waste reduction and sustainability, thanks to collaboration with local companies and institutions.

Innovative waste management

A key example of the event’s sustainability efforts is its innovative waste management system, developed through a shared commitment between athletes, volunteers, and Hera Group—one of Italy’s largest multi-utility companies, providing environmental, water, and energy services across Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region. Hera Group plays a crucial role in waste collection, disposal, and recycling, ensuring that materials generated during the marathon are properly sorted and repurposed.

Thanks to an efficient waste separation system and the support of trained volunteers, the event has consistently achieved a high recycling rate, raising awareness among participants about the importance of responsible waste disposal.

Circular economy initiatives

The Bologna Marathon also incorporates solutions aligned with circular economy principles, including:

• Eco-friendly race kits: Athlete and volunteer bags made from 100% recycled plastic, in collaboration with Eco-Shopper.
• Sustainable hydration: The use of Acqua Dolomia PET bottles, chosen for their superior recyclability.
• Waste-conscious nutrition: Selection of food products from ProAction and Eurocompany, designed with recyclable packaging to optimise waste collection at refreshment points.

Social sustainability: clothing recovery and redistribution

Another key initiative focuses on clothing collection at the starting line, carried out in partnership with the Municipality of Bologna and the organisations Recooper and Second Life.

• Recooper specialises in textile recovery and recycling, ensuring that discarded garments are properly processed and repurposed, reducing landfill waste.
• Second Life, a social enterprise, redistributes reusable clothing to individuals in need, reinforcing the marathon’s social sustainability commitment by supporting vulnerable communities.

By combining environmental responsibility with social impact, the Bologna Marathon not only minimises waste but also contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive future for sports events.