Sustainability at the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON

For us at SCC EVENTS, it is important to make our running events sustainable.

Therefore we have identified three dimensions of sustainability which we want to continuously improve:

Social justice
Environmental protection
Economic development

Scroll down to find out more about our work in these areas.

Motivation for the next generation

With our activities for children and young people, we inspire the next generation to enjoy being active and exercising together.

At the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON, we achieve this with the Bambini Run presented by ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg and our Kids Skating event.

Our Bambini runs inspire over 3,000 children every year.

We offer a separate start time for wheelchair competitors and handbikers

Living diversity

Equity and inclusion are core values of SCC EVENTS and the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON.

Together with the German Disabled Sports Association and the National Paralympic Committee, we host the German Para Athletics Championships.

We also cooperate with Special Olympics and the Fürst Donnersmarck Foundation so that athletes with intellectual or multiple disabilities can compete in the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON.

BMW BERLIN-MARATHON: Berlin City Mission employee sorts jackets in the warehouse © SCC EVENTS

Help where it is needed

Together with Berliner Stadtmission (Berlin City Mission), we collect gently used running clothing and shoes to give to people in need.

GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON: Three people stand at the info point and look at a map © SCC EVENTS / Annegret Hilse

Green mobility

The arrival and departure of athletes and spectators is by far the largest source of CO₂ emissions at the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON. That is why we offer a free public transport ticket, a discounted ticket from Deutsche Bahn, and sufficient bicycle parking spaces for sustainable travel.

BMW BERLIN-MARATHON: Thermal foils are pressed into bales © SCC EVENTS

Thermal blankets

Used thermal blankets are pressed into bales directly in the finish area, returned to the manufacturer, and recycled into new blankets.

Unused blankets are simply used in subsequent years.

With a hydration pack, this participant clearly had a great run in 2024

Refreshment

Runners can refill their own hydration systems at each refreshment point, thus reducing cup consumption.

At the same time, we only use cups made from recycled material, which are collected and recycled after the event.

GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON: Runner disposing of drinking cups, other participants in the background © SCC EVENTS — Waste separation is important to us at all events.

Waste separation

After reducing waste, waste separation is one of our most important environmental protection goals. That is why we have implemented a waste separation concept in the start/finish area.

We analysed waste streams and placed the necessary bins based on our findings. In addition, we pay particular attention to ensuring that packaging waste is sorted by type in areas that we can easily control.

GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON: Runners cross the Brandenburg Gate and are cheered on by spectators © Sportografen

We move Berlin - and not just in sport!

More than 35,000 participants from all over the world not only achieve outstanding athletic performances in Berlin, but also generate enormous economic impact.

As an organiser, we employ more than 90 permanent staff and also award a large number of contracts to local producers and service providers.

Certifications for sustainable event management

Since 2024, the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON has met the requirements of the World Athletics sustainability standard. This certification covers environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability.