The 48th edition of the Zurich Rock n Roll Running Series in Madrid has once again proven that running is a social act. With 47,000 participants from 113 countries, the event organized by MAPOMA broke its own attendance record in the marathon, half marathon, and 10K distances. But it wasn't all sweat and medals: the race boasts being the first in the world with a carbon footprint certified by AENOR, a fact that turns every stride into a measured and offset gesture.
The technology behind the first certified carbon-neutral race 🌍
To achieve AENOR certification, MAPOMA implemented a real-time emissions monitoring system. Everything from runner travel to energy consumed at aid stations was calculated. Offsetting was carried out by purchasing carbon credits linked to reforestation projects on the Iberian Peninsula. Additionally, all logistical processes were digitized to reduce paper usage, and smart recycling points were installed along the course. The result: an event that emits less CO2 than a Madrid-Barcelona flight.
Running 42 km to save the planet (and your conscience) 🏃♂️
All very nice, of course. But while the 47,000 runners were sweating buckets, someone in the organization was calculating that each recycled paper bib saved 0.3 grams of carbon. Let's not fool ourselves: most crossed the finish line thinking about the post-race beer, not the ecological footprint. But hey, if running 42 kilometers makes you feel a little greener, welcome to it. Just don't forget to recycle the technical shirt when it falls apart.