What we're doing to be more sustainable

Every year, we strive to make the race as environmentally friendly as we possibly can, whilst still maintaining high standards of runner safety and enjoyment.

So, what are we doing this year?

LESS PAPER

Our official race magazine is once again digital-only, you can view it here. This has become a welcomed sustainable asset of Run Norwich and has saved the production of thousand of printed copies.

But for essentials that we do print, like our exhibition boards at The Forum, we’ve made a conscious switch to water-based inks. Similarly, all merchandise is printed using inks that are Phthalate free. Small changes which hold great effect and reduce our environmental impact.

LESS WASTE

Following feedback from previous years we are no longer gifting a souvenir bag at the end of the race. Instead we are gifting a Run Norwich snood made from recycled material. Don’t worry though you can still pick up a banana, a Fast & Up electrolyte tablet, a free can of Woodforde’s, (for runners aged 18+), as well as a selection of snacks upon displaying your race bib in the Runner Recharge Zone in the Race Village.

LEAD VEHICLE

The Official Lead Car, guiding our runners through the winding streets this year will be Desira with their all-new PHEV JAECOO 8 SHS luxury .

PAPER CUPS

You don’t need us to tell you how important hydration is, let alone on race day! All of our water stations this year will be providing 100% recyclable paper cups, so when you’ve sipped or chucked it over your head, simply throw them into one of our many recycling bins and we’ll do the rest.

Why not help us further and bring your own reusable bottle to use on the day?

OPTION TO GO MEDAL FREE

Much like last year, we have a small but mighty sustainability measure: the option to go medal free! We know that for many a medal is a cherished keepsake and we will proudly continue to hand them out. But we also know that not everyone wants one, so we give runners the choice to opt out.

If you have opted to go without and you will sport a special ‘I’ve gone medal free’ icon on your race bib – a little fun badge of eco-honour! Please follow the signs to fast-track the medal queue after crossing the finish line.

What can you do?

PARK N’ RIDE

Instead of driving into the city on race day, why not use one of the special park-and-ride services for the event? Click here to find out more about these services and a full travel guide on race day.

BERYL BIKES

If you live near the city centre, why not get those legs warm by taking a Beryl bike to the start point? With bays dotted around the city, it’s an easy way for you to get to and from the race in an active and sustainable way.

CARPOOL

If driving into the city is your only option, we suggest you bundle in with as many family, friends and colleagues as safely possible!

New for 2026, the LiftShare app allows runners to identify other people living near them who are travelling the same way on race day. Click here to find out more about the app, and how you can be sustainable with your race day travel.

Click here to view the information on car parks as a number will be adjusting their opening hours to accommodate the race, including Castle Quarter (6am), Chantry Place (7am) and John Lewis (7.15am).

Please note: The Forum car park is closed, as it is reserved for race volunteers.

BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE

If you can bring your own water bottle or pack, rather than use the cups on our water stations, then please do! Every cup we don’t use this year, will be one less cup we need to recycle and order next year.