The Dublin Half Marathon has come under fire after shocking levels of litter were left strewn across the streets by runners, raising serious concerns about respect for public spaces and the environmental impact of mass participation events.

Residents, volunteers, and pedestrians were left disgusted after the city’s roads—particularly along key running routes—were covered in hundreds of discarded energy gel sachets, plastic wrappers, and other debris. Photos and videos shared across social media show long stretches of pavement and roadways littered with sticky, non-biodegradable packaging.

Streets Littered with Gel Packets

Spectators and residents were stunned at the aftermath, with dozens of streets covered in empty gel packets tossed by runners mid-race. Popular running areas such as Phoenix Park, Chapelizod, and along the Quays were among the worst affected, with packets lining gutters, verges, and footpaths.

“It was like someone had shaken out the contents of a bin across the city,” said one local. “There’s no excuse for this. You can run a race and still take your rubbish with you.”

These gel sachets—used by runners to refuel during long races—are typically made of foil or plastic, and are not easily recyclable. Many were trampled underfoot or stuck to tarmac, leaving clean-up teams with a difficult task.

Organisers Under Scrutiny

While many runners rely on energy gels during endurance events, the lack of disposal facilities and apparent disregard for waste etiquette has left organisers facing backlash. Critics argue that marathon coordinators failed to properly enforce litter rules, with no clear guidance or enough bins provided along the route.

Environmental campaigners and city residents alike are calling for stricter waste management policies at future events, including:

• Clearer rubbish drop zones
• Eco-friendly packaging mandates
• Penalties for littering during races
• Mandatory runner briefings on waste responsibility

Public Reaction: “Selfish and Lazy”

The online reaction has been swift and angry. Social media users described the scene as “selfish”, “disgusting”, and “lazy”, with many asking how supposedly health-conscious individuals could be so reckless with their rubbish.

Some pointed out the irony of runners using the city for personal fitness while showing no regard for public hygiene or the environment.

“There are 101 ways to carry your empty gel sachets until you find a bin. Chucking them on the street is just unacceptable.”

The Environmental Impact

Beyond the visual mess, the environmental implications are stark. Gel packets pose a risk to:

• Urban wildlife, who may ingest the plastic
• Waterways, if packets are washed into drains
• Local council budgets, which must absorb clean-up costs

Dublin City Council has yet to issue a formal response, but street cleaning teams were deployed late into the evening following the race.

Time for Change

As Dublin continues to welcome sporting events and festivals, residents are demanding higher standards of behaviour and accountability from both organisers and participants.

With climate awareness and public cleanliness more important than ever, events like the Dublin Half Marathon must now strike a balance between physical achievement and civic responsibility.

Moving Forward

To prevent a repeat of this disgraceful aftermath, campaigners are urging:

• Mandatory “Leave No Trace” guidelines for all race entrants
• Dedicated clean-up crews stationed during the event
• Collaboration with eco-friendly brands for sustainable packaging

Until then, the image of Dublin’s streets littered with plastic wrappers will serve as a grim reminder that fitness does not excuse environmental carelessness.

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