The marathon runners picking up litter as they go

Runners will take part in plogging for this year's Brighton Marathon.

Plogging, which means running and litter picking, has grown in popularity across the world since it started in Sweden in 2016.

The term combines the Swedish word plocka upp (pick up) with jogging and has already been a success in Brighton, with groups like Leave No Trace running plogging events.

For the marathon, a team of 20 runners will follow the 42km (26.2 mile) route around Brighton on 12 April picking up discarded gel sachets, cups and other litter dropped during the marathon.

"We will have runners doing 10km slots and we will pick up any litter that is dropped," said Darren Evans, co-founder of The Green Runners.

"I think runners are more aware of the impact they have.

"I think we will be able to cope with any litter that is left. The whole point of plogging is to leave the environment better than where you started. It's about getting fit and making a difference to the environment."

About 20 people took part in an organised plog on Tuesday and collected 14kg (30lbs) of litter from the seafront.

Kate Chapman, head of sustainability at London Marathon Events, which runs Brighton Marathon, says the aim is to make the event more sustainable.

This year there will be water refill stations where people can fill up bottles, reusable cups or hydration vests.

She said the 1,500 Team Green members "wont bring a kit bag to the start, so we're not having to transport baggage across the city".

They will each receive a collapsible Brighton Marathon-themed cup for use during the race.

Runners and spectators are also being encouraged to use public transport or car share.

The event will also have green villages to showcase local environmental organisations. People can also find out about reducing the environmental impact of their running.

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