12 Marathons in 12 Countries

In 2017, Carlos and Carolyn became the first people in the world to complete a marathon on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. Their goal? To raise awareness of the global issue of plastic pollution in the ocean and inspire others to make more sustainable choices.

Their first marathon took them along the Dordogne River in France, from Saint Julien de Lampon to Saint Cyprien—a breathtaking 26.2 miles (42.2 km) of stunning scenery and perfect weather. It took them 6 hours 45 minutes to complete the course, taking turns paddling on their unique plastic-bottle board and the Explorace 12’6 SUP board, generously donated by Itiwit by Decathlon.

This was just the beginning of their epic journey.

Over the next four months, Carlos and Carolyn completed a total of 12 marathons, paddling through challenging conditions on rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and even seas, including the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Aegean. Their journey took them through diverse countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and beyond.

One of their most memorable paddles was through the Drina Canyon in Bosnia & Herzegovina, where they paddled for an incredible 12 1/2 hours, completing 60 km. The longest time spent on the water, this was also one of the most challenging conditions they faced. On average, they paddled 4 km per hour on their bottle board due to the added drag from the recycled plastic bottles, which made their journey even more gruelling but deeply rewarding.

While the marathons were physically demanding, the message was clear: every individual can make a difference. Their journey highlighted the importance of reducing plastic waste, protecting marine life, and switching to more sustainable alternatives. Their story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the belief that small actions can lead to big changes.

Today, at Whale Bags, we continue to honour their legacy with every reusable organic cotton bag we sell. We’re dedicated to making sustainable living easier and more convenient for families while raising awareness of the environmental impact of plastic waste. Every product you buy helps fund efforts to reduce plastic pollution and protect our oceans and wildlife.