Sustainability

Sustainability Initiatives at Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2026

Running Towards a Sustainable Greener Future

At the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM), every step is an opportunity to create a positive impact. As one of the world's leading road races, we are committed to delivering an exceptional race experience while reducing our environmental footprint and creating lasting value for our communities.

Sustainability is integrated into every stage of event planning and delivery—from the way we manage waste and conserve resources to how we engage participants, support local communities, and measure our environmental performance. Working together with government agencies, sustainability partners, sponsors, volunteers, and runners, we are building an event that leaves a positive legacy for Delhi and inspires responsible action beyond race day.

Whether you're running, volunteering, cheering from the sidelines, or supporting the event, you are part of our sustainability journey.

Circular Economy and Responsible Resource Management

We are committed to reducing waste, conserving resources, and keeping materials in use for as long as possible through responsible event planning and circular economy practices.

Our initiatives include:

• Zero Waste to Landfill approach across event venues.
• Segregation of waste into recyclable, compostable, and residual streams.
• Clearly marked waste collection and segregation stations across the Expo, Start/Finish Area, and race route.
• Collaboration with NDMC, Hasiru Dala Innovations, Chintan, and other sustainability partners for waste collection, recycling, composting, and responsible processing.
• Composting of organic waste and recycling of plastic, paper, cardboard, and metals through authorised recycling partners. 
• Fully digital registration, participant communication, waivers, race guides, route maps, and event updates to minimise paper consumption.
• Elimination of unnecessary packaging, including plastic bib covers.
• Event kits are designed using reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials.
• Sustainable procurement practices that prioritise environmentally responsible products and local sourcing wherever feasible.
• Upcycling of event branding, signage, and materials to support community initiatives.
• Documentation and measurement of all waste streams, with annual benchmarking to drive continuous improvement.
• Implemented a reusable accreditation system for Procam staff, whereby accreditation cards are issued once and remain valid across all events throughout the year.

Water Stewardship

Water is a valuable resource, and its responsible management is integrated into every stage of event planning and operations.

Our approach includes:

• Water refill stations to encourage the use of reusable bottles and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
• Efficient hydration station planning to minimise water wastage.
• Reuse of surplus potable water left unused in the bottle, where feasible, for irrigation of nearby green spaces.
• Responsible water procurement, sanitation, and sewage management in collaboration with venue operators, municipal authorities, and event partners.
• Monitoring and documentation of water procurement, consumption, wastage, and sewage volumes to support continual improvement.

Climate Action and Sustainable Mobility

We are committed to understanding, reducing, and managing the event's carbon footprint while promoting low-carbon transport options.

Key initiatives include:

• Assessment of greenhouse gas emissions across travel, electricity, logistics, waste management, and event operations.
• Identification of opportunities to reduce emissions in future editions.
• Optional participant carbon offset contributions during registration.
• Deployment of electric vehicles and e-autos for event operations wherever feasible.
• Promotion of public transport, cycling, carpooling, and shared mobility.
• Partnership with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to encourage metro travel to and from the event.
• Bicycle parking facilities at the venue.

Biodiversity Conservation

Protecting and enhancing urban biodiversity is an important part of our commitment to sustainable event delivery.

Our initiatives include:

• Pre- and post-event biodiversity assessments around the event venue.
• Documentation of local flora and fauna to understand ecological sensitivities.
• Measures to minimise disturbance to surrounding habitats and green spaces.
• Using biodiversity assessment findings to inform future planning and environmental awareness.

Community Engagement and Social Inclusion

VDHM strives to create value beyond race day by supporting local communities, promoting inclusion, and encouraging active participation.

Our initiatives include:

• Shoe Collection Drive at the VDHM Expo for redistribution to underserved communities.
• Recovery and redistribution of surplus edible food through partner organisations.
• Repurposing and donation of usable event materials for community initiatives.
• Partnerships with NGOs, community organisations, and social enterprises.
• Supporting local suppliers, service providers, and artisans wherever feasible.
• Dedicated race categories for Champions with Disabilities and senior citizens.
• Accessibility measures across key event venues.

Transparency, Measurement and Continuous Improvement

Measuring our performance helps us to improve the sustainability of every edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon.

We monitor and evaluate key sustainability indicators across the event, including:

• Waste generation, recycling, composting, and diversion.
• Water procurement, consumption, and sewage management.
• Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint.
• Sustainable mobility initiatives.
• Community engagement programmes and resource recovery initiatives.

Performance is reviewed after each event, with key sustainability outcomes published through the VDHM Sustainability Report, helping us benchmark progress, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen our sustainability performance year after year.

How You Can Make a Difference

Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and every participant can help make the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon more sustainable.

You can help by:

• Using the Delhi Metro, carpooling, cycling, or shared transport.
• Carrying a reusable water bottle and using refill stations.
• Segregating waste using the designated collection stations.
• Donating your gently used running shoes at the Expo.
• Choosing digital race information instead of printed materials.
• Supporting the voluntary carbon offset programme during registration.

Run Green. Run Responsible. Run for Tomorrow.

Progress in 2025

• Waste Diverted from Landfill - 100% 
• Water Conserved - 475 litres of waste water was collected and used to water the plants in Jawaharlal Nehru stadium the water quantity was less as 250ml bottles were used
• Shoes Donated - 175 shoes collected and given to the needy.