Hyderabad, July 9: The NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2026 became India’s first marathon to earn the World Athletics Athletics for a Better World Silver Standard, organisers said.
World Athletics granted the Silver Standard for three years after independent evaluation. The marathon scored 84 points under the ABW framework for planning, implementation, documentation and impact.
Organisers applied a Zero Waste to Landfill approach, while eliminating single use plastics with biodegradable plates and wooden cutlery.
They achieved 100 percent recycling of stadium water bottles and upcycled flex banners through a partner. Nearly 30 percent of runners chose a voluntary No Tee Shirt option to cut consumption.
The event used over 100 buses for participant transport and deployed electric vehicles for elite runners and volunteers. It also ran month long air quality monitoring and cleaned waste hotspots along race routes.
Social measures included engaging GHMC Safai Saathis and local ragpickers in waste management and sourcing about 75 percent of services from local businesses.
The marathon used eco friendly trophies made from agricultural waste and ran sustainability awareness campaigns with GHMC.
Race Director Rajesh Vetcha said the award recognises community and environmental action. Sustainability Lead Venkat Ankam said the organisers aimed to show that world class events can create lasting positive impact.
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