NMDC Hyderabad Marathon becomes first in India to win World Athletics ABW Silver Standard for sustainability
The NMDC Hyderabad Marathon has become the first Indian racing event to win the World Athletics ABW Silver Standard. Scoring 84 points for its eco-friendly, zero-waste initiatives, it joins elite global events like the Boston and Berlin marathons
Hyderabad: The NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2025, organised by the Hyderabad Runners Society, has become the first marathon in India to receive the prestigious World Athletics – Athletics for a Better World (ABW) Silver Standard.
Valid for three years, this international recognition honours sporting events that create a meaningful positive impact on the environment, communities and society.
In a significant global recognition, the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2025 has earned a place alongside some of the world’s most prestigious athletics events for its sustainability initiatives. The marathon now stands in distinguished company with the Boston Marathon (USA), Generali Berliner Halbmarathon (Germany), Golden Gala (Italy), Wanda Diamond League Xiamen (China), and BAUHAUS-Galan (Sweden)—events renowned not only for sporting excellence but also for their commitment to environmental responsibility.
This achievement places Hyderabad on the global sustainability map of athletics and reinforces India’s growing leadership in organizing world-class sporting events that balance performance, community engagement and environmental stewardship. From Boston to Berlin, Rome to Hyderabad, the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon has demonstrated that Indian events can match global benchmarks in sustainability and responsible event management.
Key initiatives that contributed to this achievement include a Zero Waste to Landfill approach, ensuring that all waste was segregated and either composted, converted into biogas or recycled. Single-use plastics were eliminated through the use of biodegradable cornstarch plates, wooden cutlery and recyclable paper cups, while waste reduction measures such as reusable drinking glasses, improved food planning and a voluntary “No Tee Shirt” option—chosen by nearly 30% of participants—helped minimize unnecessary consumption.
The event achieved 100% recycling of water bottles used at the stadium, while all flex banners were upcycled into useful products through a partnership with Goonj. Green mobility was encouraged through the deployment of over 100 buses for participant transportation and the use of electric vehicles for elite runners and volunteers. Environmental stewardship extended beyond the venue, with month-long air quality monitoring and inspections undertaken to identify and eliminate garbage dumping and waste-burning hotspots along race routes.
The marathon also generated meaningful social impact by engaging GHMC Safai Saathis and local ragpickers in waste management activities, thereby supporting livelihoods and promoting inclusive participation. Further reinforcing its sustainability commitment, the event featured eco-friendly trophies made entirely from agricultural waste, sourced nearly 75% of its products and services from local businesses, and conducted extensive sustainability awareness campaigns in partnership with GHMC, with specially abled individuals playing a prominent role in inspiring thousands of runners and spectators to embrace environmentally responsible practices.
These initiatives were independently evaluated under the World Athletics ABW framework across planning, implementation, documentation and measurable impact. The marathon scored 84 points, earning the coveted Silver Standard.
Rajesh Vetcha, Race Director, NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, said: ” A marathon can do much more than bring people together to run. It can reduce waste, support communities, protect the environment and inspire better habits. This recognition belongs to every runner, volunteer, sponsor, partner and supporter who helped make this achievement possible.
Venkat Ankam, Sustainability Lead, NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, said: This award reflects hundreds of thoughtful decisions made across every aspect of the marathon—from eliminating single-use plastics and achieving zero waste to landfill, to supporting Safai Saathis and ragpickers, promoting public transport, reducing unnecessary consumption and creating awareness. Our goal was to show that a world-class sporting event can also create a lasting positive impact on people, the city and the environment. We hope this inspires many more sporting events across India.
