Headline sponsors of the Portsmouth Marathon

TJ is the headline sponsor for the Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon 2022, which is taking place on Sunday 18 December. This is the fifth year that we have sponsored the event, which this year is raising money for Rowans Hospice.

As headline sponsor we will be providing waste management services on the day free of charge as well as a range of other support services and a monetary donation.

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.

All waste produced at the event will be picked up by volunteers along the route and returned to the castle field where we will have a number of eurobins. This way 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. 

A TJ van and driver will also be present to empty the bins, with the waste will be 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 as much as possible from landfill.

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, the Rowans Hospice. For all those taking part in the Santa runs, Santa suits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rowans Hospice provides palliative and end of life care to the highest quality for those living with a life-limiting illness in south east Hampshire. As well as easing patient’s physical symptoms, Rowan’s highly trained carers also provide psychological, spiritual and social support to both patients and their loved ones.

Their dedicated hospice care is available round the clock either in house or at home, as well as offering services for day visitors in our Living Well Centre. These services are all provided free of charge and as a charity, 90% of their income is generated by legacies, donations, fundraising and our retail shops. Fundraising events such as the Portsmouth Marathon are essential in enabling Rowan’s to make a difference to so many lives.

This year’s marathon will follow a slightly different route (to be confirmed on 30 November), but still starting at Southsea Castle, going along to Eastney, up the Eastern Road, over to Hayling and back. The event will start at 8am, with the marathon runners setting off at 8.30am. The festive half marathon will commence at 9.15am, with the 5k and 10k runs following at 10am. 

If you’re thinking of running, places are still available, so book yours online today! Entries close on 30 November. And for any non-runners, why not go along to support those taking part? Food stalls and refreshment stands will be open on Castle Field to keep you going!

All participants will receive a goodie bag which will include a selection of treats to help you recover from the race. Post race, we’ll also be serving each runner with a fine ale from Fallen Acorn Brewery in Gosport, which you can enjoy on-site or take away with you.

This event, which has been running since 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.

Managing Director John Gosling said:

“The Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon is a fantastic festive community event and we’re thrilled to continue to support it, particularly as headline sponsors this year. It gives runners of all levels the opportunity to get out there and stay active, whilst also raising funds for extremely worthy causes such as the Rowans Hospice. The atmosphere on the day is great; Portsmouth really pulls together to support the runners and cheer them on and it’s great to be a part of that.”

If you’re taking part in one of the Santa runs, you can collect your Santa suit and race number from Alexandra Sports this Saturday and Sunday, the 26th and 27th November, between 9.30am and 3pm.

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