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Grale x Adidas Stockholm Marathon
May 31, 2025
The Stockholm Marathon is no small feat: 42.195 kilometers through the heart of the city, cheered on by thousands, and powered by volunteers, grit, and hydration. This year, more than 20,000 runners crossed the start line. And at multiple water stations along the course, they reached for Grale Cups a meaningful shift in how major events can reduce unnecessary plastic.
Replacing plastic, not performance
We partnered with Marathongruppen, the organizers behind the Adidas Stockholm Marathon, to supply Grale Cups at key hydration points. Unlike traditional event cups made from plastic or bioplastics, Grale Cups are made entirely of recyclable paper - no plastic linings, no tricky coatings. They’re durable enough for fast handoffs and mid-race hydration, and clean enough to be recycled with regular paper waste after use.
Key facts about Grale cups:
- Made from renewable materials
- Designed for industrial-scale recyclability
- No plastic or PLA linings
- Developed and produced in the EU
- Lightweight, stackable and logistics-friendly
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20,000 runners. 42 kilometers. Grale cups.
Why this matters
Major sporting events generate tons of waste, especially when it comes to single-use food and drink packaging. Making even one high-volume switch, like from plastic to paper, can dramatically reduce the long-term environmental footprint.
By working with Marathongruppen, we proved that it’s not just possible - it’s scalable. And if this kind of shift works in the middle of a marathon, it can work just about anywhere.
Key facts about the Adidas Stockholm Marathon:
- Over 20,000 runners from 100+ countries
- Dozens of hydration stations across a 42.2 km route
- Multiple tons of packaging waste typically generated
This year’s race is a great example of what happens when logistics meets better materials and when organizers care about not just running a great race, but running it responsibly.
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