I attended two races in the last few months that have made significant improvements from last year, towards cutting down waste generated at source - The recently concluded runs, Spirit of Wipro in Bangalore on 23rd September and NEB's 10k Challenge on 7th July on the same route.

1. Spirit of Wipro - The run had about 5-7K attendees. The notable features of the run 

- Earthen cups with water re-fill points at start and finish areas. This was an excellent move. Finish point was quite clean and free from any plastic or debris.

- Fresh coconut water without straw at the finish line for refreshment.

- Hot organic food on arecanut plates.

- Segregated trashcans manned by staff.

- The route could have had water refill points also, instead of having only plastic bottles, for those who wanted to use their own bottles. Perhaps this feedback can be given to the organizers.

Pictures from the Wipro run - Courtesy: Lalithamba V.  https://www.facebook.com/lalithamba.vishwanathaiah/posts/1854995957870859

2. Bangalore 10k Challenge by NEB - Number of participants ~10k.

- Zero waste route. Only reusable cups with refill points. Color coded for Electrolyte and water.

- Hot food served fresh on melamine/steel cutlery. Hot tea and coffee in steel cups.

- Segregated trash cans manned by staff and well trained volunteers at the water refill stations to manage washing of used cups.

- The electrolyte tetrapak handed to finishers at the finish point created a mess and could have been avoided with better planning.

Major takeaway from these two events is: Zero waste finish and start areas. Participants drink a lot of fluids after finishing and there is no need to hand it out in small bottles. A refill works great and is completely guilt free, when you carry your own bottle or keep reusing the cup you picked up at the venue.