Marathongruppen takes the lead against microplastics - adidas Stockholm Marathon first out

Plastic-free paper cups from Swedish greentech company Grale will now be used at the water stations at Marathongruppen's events. First out is adidas Stockholm Marathon on May 30, with 25,000 registered runners. The decision follows a successful pilot at adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025.

Every year, thousands of runners pass through the water stations at Marathongruppen's events, resulting in an enormous consumption of disposable cups. Until now, these cups, like most paper cups on the market, have featured a thin plastic film on the inside. This film releases microplastics into the drink, something that research has linked to serious health risks.

Grale's paper cup is a Swedish innovation based on patented technology. Unlike traditional paper cups, it contains no plastic film and therefore releases no microplastics into the drink. The cup is also certified recyclable, meaning it can be sorted and recycled as paper.

"We organize events for over 175,000 runners every year and have a responsibility to take care of both their health and the environment. The pilot with Grale's cups at adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025 was a success and showed that it works excellently in practice, so now we are taking the full step," says Sophie Ottosson, Project Manager at Marathongruppen.

"The sports world has long faced a paradox: promoting health while serving water in materials that leach microplastics. Our partnership with Marathongruppen marks the end of that era. At Grale, we don't just offer an alternative; we deliver a solution that is scalable globally without compromise. By eliminating invisible health risks, we protect both the runner and the planet simultaneously, setting a new international standard for how a world-class event should be conducted," says Allen, CEO of Grale.

Marathongruppen organizes events including adidas Stockholm Marathon, Tjejmilen and adidas Stockholm Half Marathon.

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