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Behind the Race, Part 2: Going for the Green
By Brenda BarreraMarch/April 2011
For the Washington Running Report
“In the short term, green efforts offer promotional benefits and over a number of years, events, vendors and manufacturers are seeing significant energy and cost savings associated with sustainable practices. But in the long run, industry entities hope their collective efforts will result in clean air and attractive natural areas to fully support the low energy, health-improving activity of running, the most natural of sports.”---from “Greening of the Running Industry” (Running USA, 2008).
For more than 40 years, April 22 has marked the celebration of Earth Day. This year the theme is “A Billion Acts of Green” and it’s a good time to review what is happening “Behind the Race” to reduce the carbon footprint of our sport. Undoubtedly, we are already taking positive steps by leading a healthy lifestyle, but just as we strive to improve our race times or tackle the goal of a longer distance, there are ways to make our sport even more environmentally sound. Across the Mid-Atlantic region, race organizers are implementing many of these options and if they are not, it’s up to runners to speak up and request them. Below are some examples and helpful resources, while not comprehensive, they offer an overview of options.
ACTION ITEMS: What are race organizers doing? Or, can be doing?
* Online registration. This really is the standard for a majority of races and events small and large. It cuts down on paper, processing costs (and mistakes), plus mailing charges. Popular companies include: www.active.com, www.signmeup.com, www.raceit.com.
* Use eco-friendly course markings such as flour.
* Recycle timing tags. ChronoTrack introduced the D-tag Take-Back program that provides bins to timers and events for the collection and return of used D-tags. Once they are returned, ChronoTrack will safely dispose of the units according to industry environmental standards or reuse the tags
* Replace lead cars with lead bicycles or a hybrid car.
* Collect shoes and apparel. Because runners go through several pairs of shoes a year, having bins that serve organizations like Soles 4 Souls and partnering with a local charity to collect and donate clothing is a win-win option.
* Coordinate with public transportation to have more trains or buses available to transport runners to race start.
* Offer valet bike service as an incentive to cycle to races instead of driving. It also saves on parking space.
* Use local products, vendors, resources for post-race refreshments
Did you know? The Under Armour Baltimore Marathon donated all leftover food from the Celebration Village to the Maryland Food Bank and all apparel discarded at the starting line was donated to the Salvation Army.
PRODUCTS: Some eco-friendly products race organizers are incorporating into their operations.
* Water Monster is a mobile water distribution system that’s great for big or small events.
* HydraPouch is another source that supports cup-free racing.
* Heatsheets Blankets are an alternative to those silver mylar blankets. They are recyclable and made from FDA food-grade LDPE-4 resin.
* Virtual Race Bags and iGiftBag are replacing plastic goody bags. They include pre- and post-event information, sponsor deals, coupons and messages using an online platform that is customized for each event.
* Race bib numbers. There are a couple of companies that not only produce bib numbers, but also offer clients the opportunity to recycle used and surplus inventory: Electric City Printing and Marathon Printing, Inc.
Did You Know? The Marine Corps Marathon reduced waste by more than a pound per runner or 8.5 tons compared to 2008 totals.
RESOURCES
Leave No Trace: Center for Outdoor Ethics
Road Race Management Guide to Greener Running Events
A “Rite of Spring” is hoping onto your bike and also running the popular Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile, which offers a Bicycle Valet Service for participants.