Marathons and half marathons across the globe are starting to rethink how to be more sensitive to environmental concerns generated by their events. Although many have already diminished their use of plastic bottles, many have switched to cardboard cups which, although they seem like a better alternative, are still lined in plastic. Most races continue to generate not just an overwhelming amount of litter, but miss the opportunity to be a rallying point and (very) visible representation of how seemingly small edits to our choices could incrementally benefit our sustainability. If music festivals like Ultra can figure out how to start reducing their waste more consistently, marathons and half marathons can also find a way to reduce plastic and waste while maintaining a sponsorship and financial model that makes them viable.
A few examples for your reference…
- The Grand Teton Half Marathon had no cups on the course (none!), but provided each runner with a reusable 'hydrapouch' they could use to refill from water or electrolyte drink stations along the way. (see page 7 here)
- The Chicago Marathon, which is the only one of the world’s six major marathons that has been certified by the Council for Responsible Sport, offers participant shirts that are made from recycled material. The ribbon on the finisher medal can also be recycled.
- The 2019 London Marathon famously handed out edible seaweed water pouches instead of using cups (see here).
The list goes on. So…
Unfortunately, Miami is at the center of the sea level rise and climate change conversation. And our Marathon & Half Marathon, which welcomes 20,000+ runners from the region, should be setting an example focused on sustainability. We – much more than cities like London – should be leading on the global stage with regards to what mindful and sustainable large-scale events of this nature look like. As such, we urge the Miami Marathon & Half Marathon to:
- Replace all cups along the course and at the finish with another solution
- Replace as much as possible with natural compostable or recyclable materials
- Consider and propose other sustainable solutions to roll out over the next years.
Updates
October 14, 2019
I never expected this many people to care about the way we handle waste at our local races. It really is all of you pushing this conversation forward because I am just the person who hit publish.
19 Comments
We can't advocate for health and fitness and at the same time create crazy amounts of waste. Miami needs a #PlasticFree Marathon!
#PlasticFreeMB as Miami Beach went Plastic Free so should its events. Whats' our most efficient alternative for fast race times without using Wax-lined or Plastic cups?
Wow. I was passing by the last triathlon and thought exactly about this issue. Glad there's examples we can follow and to see other Miamians supporting the cause.
Miami should absolutely be setting an example in reducing plastic and waste. The Miami Marathon has an opportunity to become a leader in sustainability practices among major races.
This is low hanging fruit with a huge impact on our city and its ecosystem. No plastics!
Plastic free Miami !!!!!
Stop the plastic waste
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Marathons and half marathons across the globe are starting to rethink how to be more sensitive to environmental concerns generated by their events. Although many have already diminished their use of plastic bottles, many have switched to cardboard cups which, although they seem like a better alternative, are still lined in plastic. Most races continue to generate not just an overwhelming amount of litter, but miss the opportunity to be a rallying point and (very) visible representation of how seemingly small edits to our choices could incrementally benefit our sustainability. If music festivals like Ultra can figure out how to start reducing their waste more consistently, marathons and half marathons can also find a way to reduce plastic and waste while maintaining a sponsorship and financial model that makes them viable.
A few examples for your reference…
- The Grand Teton Half Marathon had no cups on the course (none!), but provided each runner with a reusable 'hydrapouch' they could use to refill from water or electrolyte drink stations along the way. (see page 7 here)
- The Chicago Marathon, which is the only one of the world’s six major marathons that has been certified by the Council for Responsible Sport, offers participant shirts that are made from recycled material. The ribbon on the finisher medal can also be recycled.
- The 2019 London Marathon famously handed out edible seaweed water pouches instead of using cups (see here).
The list goes on. So…
Unfortunately, Miami is at the center of the sea level rise and climate change conversation. And our Marathon & Half Marathon, which welcomes 20,000+ runners from the region, should be setting an example focused on sustainability. We – much more than cities like London – should be leading on the global stage with regards to what mindful and sustainable large-scale events of this nature look like. As such, we urge the Miami Marathon & Half Marathon to:
- Replace all cups along the course and at the finish with another solution
- Replace as much as possible with natural compostable or recyclable materials
- Consider and propose other sustainable solutions to roll out over the next years.
Updates
October 14, 2019
I never expected this many people to care about the way we handle waste at our local races. It really is all of you pushing this conversation forward because I am just the person who hit publish.
19 Comments
Great idea. Let's not forget that the Corporate Run is the biggest offender when taking into consideration the massive sponsor village. It is the biggest display of disgusting single-use plastic waste I have ever seen...and I've been around the sun quite a few times.
We can't advocate for health and fitness and at the same time create crazy amounts of waste. Miami needs a #PlasticFree Marathon!
#PlasticFreeMB as Miami Beach went Plastic Free so should its events. Whats' our most efficient alternative for fast race times without using Wax-lined or Plastic cups?
Wow. I was passing by the last triathlon and thought exactly about this issue. Glad there's examples we can follow and to see other Miamians supporting the cause.
Miami should absolutely be setting an example in reducing plastic and waste. The Miami Marathon has an opportunity to become a leader in sustainability practices among major races.
This is low hanging fruit with a huge impact on our city and its ecosystem. No plastics!
Plastic free Miami !!!!!
Stop the plastic waste
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Great idea. Let's not forget that the Corporate Run is the biggest offender when taking into consideration the massive sponsor village. It is the biggest display of disgusting single-use plastic waste I have ever seen...and I've been around the sun quite a few times.