Al Marmoom Ultramarathon and the environment

Al Marmoom Ultramarathon promotes environmental sustainability and the protection of the environment for the benefit the future generations

Al Marmoom Ultramarathon takes place in a designated conservation reserve. The Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is a place of natural beauty, endangered wildlife and ancient heritage. It is vital that we leave no trace and our footprints fade with the sands of time.

Al Marmoom Ultramarathon is committed to protecting the desert environment by limiting pollution, reducing waste and protecting areas of rare flora and fauna. To protect the delicate eco balance of the conservation area, Al Marmoom Ultramarathon follows strict environmental rules which apply to everyone associated with the event, including competitors, race management & crew, partners, sponsors, contractors, film crews, media and all visitors.

Everyone associated with the event is required to agree to the environmental protection rules.

Environmental awareness programs

Al Marmoom Ultramarathon promotes environmental awareness through community and corporate projects that involve practical solutions as well as education.
Activities include tree planting and plogging in the desert and conservation areas.

Preserving plant species and protecting wildlife

Al Marmoom Ultramarathon recognizes that the most effective way to protect rare plants and wildlife is to preserve their natural habitat.
Our mission is to leave the inhabitants of the conservation area (flora and fauna) undisturbed. Do not take home things you didn’t bring with you, including plants, sticks and rocks. This also includes not lighting fires except in designated areas.
If you encounter wildlife -keep your distance, do not encourage, distract or feed.

Promoting paperless communication

Al Marmoom Ultramarathon runs a green race from administration to event day. Registration, race manuals, briefings, medical certificates and all other communications are paperless.

Water management

Al Marmoom Ultramarathon is committed to necessary water usage and limiting waste. The importance of water conservation is promoted especially in dry desert environments.
Runners bring their own re- usable, refillable water bottle that can be filled at water stations situated at the start/ finish areas and along the route

Reducing the use of plastic

Al Marmoom Ultramarathon discourages single use plastic and encourages recycling and re-use.
Strict rules apply regarding the discarding of water bottles in non-designated areas. Competitors will incur penalties or disqualification and anyone else may be asked to leave the site, if they litter.

Prevention and limiting pollution

Motorized transport in Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is limited to designated areas. Off-roading is strictly prohibited and only authorized vehicles and drivers are permitted along the route.
Permits for official event vehicles may be applied for directly to the race management.

Waste management & recycling

Littering in Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is strictly prohibited in and punishable.
There are designated recycling bins in the race village, at the start/ finish areas and along the route. Plastic bottles and other plastic items are recycled.
Al Marmoom Ultramarathon promotes sustainable consumption as well as the prevention and reduction of waste.

Reducing noise pollution

Excessive noise harms disturbs the natural habitat of indigenous and migratory wildlife. It also spoils the enjoyment of the environment for others who welcome the peaceful desert landscape.
Al Marmoom Ultramarathon discourages loud noise from everyone who stays or visits the race village and run routes. Perpetrators of excessive noise will be asked to leave.

Toilets

The race village has washroom facilities for runners, crew and visitors. On the run route, all human waste must be buried between 20 and 25 cm below the surface, toilet paper must be placed in a toilet paper bag (provided) and carried to the next checkpoint or campsite to be disposed of in the designated waste bin.

A big thank you from the Al Marmoom Ultramarathon team who are committed to protecting Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

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