HI-TECH water spheres, which reduce the need for plastic bottles, will be used in the Chippenham Half Marathon later this year for the first time.

The spheres, which are essentially an edible water blob created by Skipping Rocks Lab, will replace plastic water bottles given out at the race on September 9 as part of a new environmentally friendly initiative led by the race committee.

Sarah Ellis, who joined the committee this year as marketing co-ordinator and is leading the charge against plastic waste, said: “I am really passionate about being eco-friendly and in previous years, I have worked on the water stations and always been shocked about the amount of plastic waste.

“I just thought that we had to try and make a change, especially with the revelations of the Blue Planet programme, as it has come to the forefront of most people’s attention.

“I did some research and came across these spheres, and it turns out that one of the committee members’ friend’s wife owns a company that makes them, and this will actually be the biggest race that they have been involved with yet.”

Each of the 2,000 runners will have the option to try two or three of the spheres during the race, which if discarded, will dissolve, or opt for a biodegradable cup filled with water at each of the four water stations.

The spheres, which are made with an edible plant and seaweed outer layer, are being sponsored by Bewley & Merrett Funeral Directors, while the race, which is now in its 10th year, will be sponsored by John Williams Heating Services.

“We have seen a change in running races over the last few years, where organisers are looking to be eco-friendly with biodegradable cups, but water spheres take this to a whole new level,” Mrs Ellis added.

“I have never seen anything like it before. It is quite risky because people are stuck in their ways but to pioneer change, we have to set an example.

“Hopefully we can put ourselves on the map and encourage other race committees to follow suit.”

To celebrate the race’s tenth anniversary, runners will receive a special commemorative medal and a red and black Chippenham Half Marathon branded base layer at the end of the race.

Proceeds will also go to Carer Support Wiltshire.

For more information about the race or to sign up visit www.chippenhamhalfmarathon.co.uk.