Nosipho Po Gumede

With an aim to reduce plastic usage, runners at this year’s FNB Durban 10KM City Surf Run will not have water sachets en route, but refillable water bottles.

Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports, says this means there will be 85% less plastic used during the race.

To try and reduce the amount of litter during and after races, organisations arrange clean-up crews who work around the clock to ensure hygiene. But, the wind still carries much of the discarded waste into drains, culverts and the ocean, which can also be harmful to animals.

According to the Old Mutual Two Oceans 21 and 56K plastic stats of 2013, litter after a race is usually composed of 952 000 water sachets, 180 000 PowerAde sachets, 112 000 coke cups, 136 800 plastic bottles, 1000 waste bin liners, 15 000 plastic refuse bags and 26 000 goody bags.

Runners, walkers and spectators are encouraged to join the movement and help keep the city clean.