In the local paper, the Argus, Lucy Brandram, race organiser for the The Sussex Beacon, replied to the criticism that giving entrants a plastic 'goody bag' at the end of the race was environmentally irresponsible.
"I would like to respond to Ray O'Donoghue's comments about the environmental impact of distributing plastic goody bags to runners who finished the Sussex Beacon Half Marathon on February 17 (Letters, March 3).
We appreciate his comments, and thank him for his suggestions. The half marathon is a major fundraiser for the Sussex Beacon, however, this doesn't mean we don't consider the environmental impact of the event. The goody bags were in fact bio-degradable, so they will decompose. We would love to provide cotton bags which could be reused for years.
Unfortunately this option is currently too expensive without increased race sponsorship. For 2009 we will be looking for further ways to reduce the environmental impact of the event.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the residents and the business community of Brighton and Hove for their continued support for the Sussex Beacon Half Marathon - it's a huge event which does cause disruption to the city. Without the support of the city it would not be possible to stage such a fantastic event.
The Sussex Beacon has been providing vital services for people living with HIV for the past 15 years. So far the Sussex Beacon Half Marathon 2008 has raised over £117,000.
Sponsorship money is still coming in and we hope to hit our target of £120,000
In what has been a difficult year for the Sussex Beacon, the support of the city is hugely appreciated.
We hope to see you in 2009 for the 19th Sussex Beacon Half Marathon."
Half Marathon
The Sussex Beacon Half Marathon has established itself as a major charity athletics event on the South Coast. Many are using it as training for the London Marathon, and in 2007 former Olympic champion, Sally Gunnel, was a participant.
