The London Marathon coincides with four days of continuous protests by Extinction Rebellion around the capital. Realizing that many are worried about disruption, eco-outfit members actively protect the event to maintain its reputation.

Members of Extinction Rebellion decided discretion was the best course of action last weekend.

In the run-up to the London Marathon, climate groups have been holding demonstrations for four days in Parliament Square, leading many to believe the event will be actively targeted.

Rather, the group’s senior representative meet with the race organisers strategizing how to protect one of Britain’s sporting ‘crown jewels’. On the day of the event, Extinction Rebellion even volunteered to disperse every obstacle at the various checkpoints.

“We think a handful of people may want to take action to block the race,” said the 63-year-old Michel, an Extinction Rebellion supporter from Brussels. “We thought it was unnecessary.”

The marathon organizer on BBC Sport’s live coverage explained the XR protests to reporters:

🥳It’s a celebration of humanity’s fun coming together

🔥Global warming is very important

🌎People should be allowed to protest

🌎Together we must take action – otherwise, we are headed for disaster pic.twitter.com/SxFMhbDNGT

— Extinction Rebellion Oxford (@XR_Oxford) April 23, 2023

Eco-friendly clothing is emerging around marathons, with its synonymous symbol seen on flags and posters picked up by the national media. The main difference with the outing on this occasion, however, was that the message was followed peacefully and those running were encouraged.