Headline sponsor of Portsmouth Marathon 2023!

TJ Waste is the headline sponsor for the Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon 2023, which is taking place on Sunday 17 December. This sponsorship involves many elements and sees our team providing a range of support.

This is the sixth year that we’ve sponsored the event, which this year is raising money for Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS), an independent lifeboat and inshore rescue service that was founded in 1969. As a declared facility to the UK Coastguard, they provide emergency lifeboat cover to the Eastern Solent and Portsmouth Harbour. On average they respond to 100 incidents per year. Members commit hundreds of hours each per year in order to maintain this vital public service.

There are many things that we, as headline sponsor, do in the lead-up to the event as well as on the day:

• We provide a complete waste management service on the day, free of charge. This includes the provision of a number of eurobins for collecting rubbish at various points around the route and at the start and end point.
• All waste produced at the event will be picked up by volunteers along the route and returned to Castle Field where we will have a number of eurobins. This ensures that any waste generated throughout the event is captured, minimising littering and pollution. The bins will be delivered to the site the day before the event to ensure that they are located in the optimal positions ahead of time. 
• We will have one of our vans positioned along the route to distribute much-needed drinks and refreshments to runners as they pass. We’ll also provide directions for the runners on which route to take.
• A TJ van and driver will also be present to empty the bins, with the waste being transported back to TJ’s Materials Recovery Facility in Tipner for sorting and recycling. As much as possible will be recycled or reused in line with our policy to divert all that we can from landfill.
• We have provided banners and flags at Southsea Castle to help signpost everything. 
• We have also made a monetary donation to the event.

The event consists of the full marathon, a festive half marathon and Santa-themed 5k and 10k races to raise money for this year’s charity, GAFIRS. TJ employees, including managing director, John Gosling, are running this year to support the event.

The marathon, which was established in 2009, is organised by Portsmouth Marathons Ltd and supported by Believe and Achieve Events Ltd, who specialise in organising running, cycling and kayaking events in the Portsmouth area.

To any non-runners, why not come down to Portsmouth on the day to support those taking part? Food stalls and refreshment stands will be open on Castle Field to keep you going and there’s sure to be a fun, festive atmosphere!

TJ Managing Director John Gosling will be running the marathon. He said: “The Portsmouth Marathon and Santa Fun Run is a brilliant way to start the festive period and it’s great to see seasoned and new runners alike embracing the weather, setting personal records and spreading Christmas cheer. You really have to be there to appreciate the atmosphere.”

Find out more about TJ Waste’s services and other community events we get involved with…