The BHGE 10k Running Festival is continuing to make significant changes year on year with a view to making the event one of the most environmentally sustainable events in Scotland.

After receiving a letter from Aberdeen South MSP, Maureen Watt, enquiring about the volume of single-use plastic bottles available at the event, organisers are keen to reassure all participants and members of the community that environmental sustainability is of the highest importance.

Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE) and Sport Aberdeen continue to make improvements to the sustainability of the event and 2018 sees more emphasis placed on this than ever before.

This year’s race will see a reduced number of single-use plastics overall, smaller water bottles at the water stations to reduce waste, and biodegradable goody bags with fewer plastic items inside them.

The organisers are also working closely with Aberdeen-based One Stop Waste Solutions to ensure there is a sustainability plan in place for race day on Sunday 20th May.

All plastic debris left behind on race day will be picked up by a team of dedicated volunteers and recycled accordingly.

Jill Franks, Director of Business Development at Sport Aberdeen said:

“Every year we strive to be more environmentally friendly. We understand the importance of reducing our plastic use and are making positive changes to help make this year’s race one of the most sustainable yet.

“We are also working closely with our race village suppliers to make sure our sustainability ethos is understood and followed.

“There are small ways our entrants can help with our plans on the day too, such as using the green recycling bins provided.

“We’d like to thank our participants and spectators for their support and look forward to seeing them on race day!”

Lesley McMullan from BHGE said:

“BHGE are proud of the way we invent, develop and deploy technologies that are more environmentally friendly than ever before and we continuously improve our sustainable and efficient use of resources.

“This also applies to the community events we are involved with and so each year we work hard to ensure the race is as green as possible whilst still providing an excellent experience for our runners.”