The 2026 London Marathon achieved platinum level in the Athletics for a Better World standard, the system World Athletics uses to assess the sustainability of events. It is the first mass-participation road running event to reach the highest level since the standard was created in 2024.
Temporary generators ran on biofuel, ensuring 92.8% renewable energy, and 6000 trees were planted through a partnership in which runners could swap their finisher’s T-shirt for a tree. The 59,830 participants, staff and volunteers were given free public transport in London.
More than 65% of goods and services were sourced within 100 kilometres, beef was taken off the catering menus and almost 60% of waste was diverted from landfill and incineration. More than 17.5 tonnes of clothing were also donated to the Salvation Army.
The race also set a fundraising record, raising £87.5 million, about €103 million, for charities. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the organisers had created a model that every sport can follow.
