Is it time to reduce single use plastic at races???

This week, the MMRA (Munster Mountain Running Association) announced the introduction of a reusable cup to eliminate the use of plastic cups at their races.

"As part of our drive to reduce single use plastic, we will not be providing cups for tea, coffee, juice & water after races.

Runners will need to either bring their own cup or they can pick up the fancy new MMRA Keep Cup for €5 and the AGM or next race. The cups are a good handy size and have a sensible screw on lid and a name tag box so you don’t get mixed up with other runners.

Will we also be using compostable bags for any litter. We will also strive to use reusable markings and reduce the need for plastic tape as much as possible from 2020."

Change of culture??? ......This is a welcome initiative by the MMRA and should cut back on the amount of waste that is generated.

If race organisers and runners are honest with themselves then we have to admit that races do generate a fair bit of waste. Consider all those plastic bottles handed out, all those plastic cups for water, tea and coffee for drink and plastic plates for food.

There is no valid argument from a cost point of view because all of these plastic items are so cheap. It will take a change of culture with race organisers taking the lead and runners buying into it.

Cork BHAA??? Other organisers???....... Is it time for race organiers to follow the example of the MMRA? It might be hard for say clubs organising one off races to justify it but it might make more sense for large organisations holding multiple events per year.

Well Cork BHAA, how about it???

Will others follow the example of the MMRA?