Fun-run circuit fights plastic pollution

MARINA Alta fun-runs have become more planet-friendly: organisers have replaced single-use plastic water bottles with biodegradable versions.

Every year, 12 towns and villages in the district host a race on different dates, and the top performers overall are awarded trophies in a prizegiving ceremony in June – this year, on 12th of the month.

The Circuit a Peu a la Marina Alta ('Marina Alta Foot Circuit') includes bottles of water for competitors as part of their entrance fee – in fact, this is standard practice for road-based and off-road athletics events in Spain.

But with hundreds of entrants in each race, a huge quantity of plastic is generated – at least 30,000 bottles - and not always duly recycled.

This year, paper bottles will be used, and plastic beakers will be replaced with cups made from compostable maize fibre.

They were unveiled this week at Dénia's Baleària Port, as the Baleària

Foundation works with the Marina Alta Association of Athletics Clubs in organising the circuit.

The first race is in Jávea on February 23 and is followed by Calpe on March 1, Gata de Gorgos on March 15, El Verger on March 22, Teulada on April 4, Denia on April 18, and Benitatxell on April 25.

Moving into late spring, Pego hosts its race on May 2, Pedreguer on May 16, Jesús Pobre on May 23 and Ondara on May 30.

The circuit ends in Benissa on June 6.

Around 15,000 adults and 5,000 children and teenagers take part every year.