LINZ: The Lauf-Volksfest aims to become a pioneer in terms of sustainability throughout Austria and is setting many new trends in the process
More ways to the finish line at the 22nd Oberbank Linz Donau Marathon on April 7. And not only because Upper Austria's 2024 running festival has more different competitions in its portfolio than ever before. But also because a sustainable innovation is being introduced this year in the popular finish area, which is used by thousands of finishers.
Thanks to the support of Frankenmarkter mineral water and Zipfer beer, every participant will receive a reusable cup instead of the plastic cups used in the past. "They can then take this home with them as a nice souvenir," says race director Günther Weidlinger. A valuable initiative. After all, recycling plastic waste is still the biggest challenge for sports organizers of all kinds.
"We at Frankenmarkter Mineralwasser are happy to support the Green Event Linz Marathon, as the idea of the circular economy is part of our brand DNA. Frankenmarkter has always been available in refillable glass bottles. We have recently invested in a new 0.75-liter returnable glass bottle to expand our refillable range. Production is powered by our own PV system and we also operate a hydroelectric power plant," says Patrick Moser, Commercial Director of Frankenmarkter.
The drinks manufacturer is also making a sustainable contribution at the refreshment stations along the route. For example, the mineral water is delivered in refillable glass bottles. In order to become even more sustainable, the efforts for the Linzer Lauf are being continuously strengthened in all areas. But nobody said it was going to be a sprint to save the environment.
The starter bags and finisher shirts have been made from recycled plastic since last year and are themselves 100% recyclable. And the electrically powered lead car in front of the marathon elite, which mobility partner Hyundai will provide, also guarantees 100 percent motivation on the race course with zero emissions.
"A green event certification for such an important sporting event as the Oberbank Linz Donau Marathon sends out a signal that entertainment and training are also possible with consideration for the environment," says environmental expert Gerhard Kampits, who is accompanying Upper Austria's major sporting event on the way to the "green sticker" as a consultant.
For the first time in its history, Upper Austria's largest mass sports event is to be certified according to the criteria of the Austrian Ecolabel. "The efforts to raise the Linz Donau Marathon to a completely new level of quality as a green event are progressing rapidly," says LIVA Marathon Coordinator Wolfgang Scheibner. Many measures are already being implemented on the way to the "green sticker". The project is not a solo effort; all partners of the marathon are moving in step towards sustainability.
