A SWINDON business has spent months preparing for an important role in this weekend's London Marathon.

Athletes will admire the work of two local engineers while running along the 26-mile route through the capital.

Bob Bradley and David Speight of Scaled Ltd in the Rushy Platt industrial estate made 51-mile markers for the event from 14 tonnes of recycled plastic waste using their large-scale 3D printing facilities.

David said: “In 2019, we took a call from an architectural student about designs for a new mile marker for the London Marathon.

"The student was part of a team that had entered a competition run by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust - now known as Blueprint For All.

"In previous years, the mile markers used scaffolding with signage attached but they wanted to explore a more eye-catching yet sustainable design.

"Over time, the concept evolved, and once our student partners became the winning team, we bid to replace all of the mile markers with the new design.

“The journey has been interesting. We’ve learned so much and we’re so proud of how well the markers turned out, showcasing our engineering skills and the design of the winning students, especially Chantal Banker and Davina Lyn.”

Each mile marker is made from 3D-printed parts and recycled boards constructed into a hexagonal pattern inspired by how runners of all abilities and demographics come together like bees in a hive.

South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland and Mayor Abdul Amin saw the markers before they were collected.

Mr Buckland said: “I’m so pleased and thrilled to support their efforts and their part in such a global international sporting event.”

Coun Amin added: “This company is really putting Swindon on the map by providing mile markers for one of the Big Six marathon events. Millions of pairs of eyes will be on this engineering achievement.”

Each marker stands over 3.5m high, with sponsor branding, clocks, and faces of well-known marathon runners.

Scaled CEO Alex Marshall said: “This has been a brilliant opportunity for us to take something from concept, through engineering design, to manufacturing the end product.

"We hope now to work with organisers of other large-scale events to support them with creating signs and other temporary structures which are far more impactful and sustainable.

“It is reassuring to know that when the mile markers reach the end of their life, they can be recycled again - that's a win for the environment.”

Visit: https://scal3d.com