Let’s make the BNAC Marathon the cleanest one yet

Litter Bugs co-ordinator and Benoni Northerns Sports Club (BNSC) member Samantha Choles is challenging the community to make the Benoni Northerns Marathon on April 13 the cleanest one to date.

“Thousands of runners and walkers will descend on the Benoni Northerns Sports Club for the annual Benoni Northerns Marathon.

“It’s a highlight on the local sporting calendar, bringing energy, excitement, and unfortunately, a fair amount of litter,” Choles said.

She explained that this year, the organisers, Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) hope to make to change that.

“We’re challenging our community to help make this year’s marathon the cleanest one yet. Sporting events generate a lot of waste, but they also give us the perfect chance to show how teamwork and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Choles and her team are calling on schools, clubs and community organisations to volunteer their time and energy alongside Litter Bugs, K1 Recycling Waste Management, water table crews and marshalls to keep the race route and finish line waste-free.

In 2024, their efforts paid off. They separated and collected more than 614kg of recyclables, including paper, cups, cardboard and water sachets, as well as plastics, water bottles and cans.

The race starts at 06:00 and participating groups will be paired with water points along the route.

“These water points wrap up at different times depending on how far along the route they are, so we encourage each group to plan a shift roster to ensure consistent coverage throughout the morning.”

She added that this is a fantastic opportunity for learners to gain community service hours and for anyone looking to contribute meaningfully to a cleaner, greener Benoni.

Seven schools and community organisations, including Ashton International College, Farrarmere Primary and Jeppe High School for Boys, as well as Clean Projects and Homestead Helpers, have already signed up.

She remind runners and walkers to make use of the bins provided along the route or carry their waste to the finish line.

The BNAC Marathon race director Kerry Webb praised the organisation and K1 Recycling for reducing waste footprint since their partnership started in 2022.

“Last year, over 614kg of waste was recycled and redirected from the BNAC Marathon instead of going to landfills. We are very proud to be one of the leading crusaders of #RunClean races, with the help of The Litterbugs and K1 Recycling,” Webb said.

To volunteer or find out more, email Choles at samcholes@gmail.com.

Also Read: Litter Bugs and K1 Recycling ensure marathon is clean

Also Read: Volunteers keep BNAC Marathon route clean