As organisers of Lap of the Gap, we see ourselves as stewards — of the land, the local community, and the spirit of the event.
That means delivering a high-quality race experience while limiting unnecessary impact on the environment that hosts us. Our responsibility is twofold: provide what’s expected by runners, and pare back anything that doesn’t serve the course, the community, or the land.
We aim for simple, functional decisions that reduce waste, avoid harmful materials, and respect the terrain we cross. And if runners clearly tell us certain provisions are no longer needed — we’ll remove them.
SERVICES
- Preference for local service providers where possible
- Portaloos added near Upper Lake and Lough Tay to protect sensitive ground
- Public transport options from Dublin expanded to reduce car use
MATERIALS & PROVISIONS
- Compostable or recyclable cups at aid stations
- T-shirts made from recyclable fibres
- Coasters and medals crafted from non-toxic, reusable materials (e.g. slate, wood)
- Bib reuse policy for no-shows and late entries
- Water drawn from local, certified wells rather than mass-packaged bottles
TRANSPORTATION
- Lead bikes replace motor vehicles at the front of the race
- Return buses offered to reduce car dependency
- Encouraged walk/jog to start lines to lower bus volume (in planning)
COURSE CARE & WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Official waste management and environmental assessment plans approved pre-race
- All marshals briefed on full clean-up responsibilities
- Lost & found clothing donated to clothes banks
- Excess t-shirts repurposed or stored for future use
- Engagement with NPWS and OPW on all sensitive course areas
next year AND BEYOND
Looking ahead, we are taking further steps to deepen our role as stewards:
- Partnering with the PURE Project, who already manage multiple “Pure Miles” along our route
- Expanding our volunteer Bike Corps presence
- Formalising the walk-in warmup to reduce shuttle requirements
- Reviewing tetrapak or refillable water options for aid stations
- Improving waste sorting systems at all key points
- Committing to a local materials where possible
This land has a long memory. Our goal is to leave as little trace as possible — and leave it better when we can.