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Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Green Initiatives

 

It takes a great deal of hard work and planning to produce a sustainable event, but the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is committed to setting an example for the surrounding community and other races when it comes to environmental responsibility. We continue to make strides to reduce the event’s carbon footprint by implementing green initiatives that reduce waste, reuse resources and recycle materials.

Help make this a more sustainable event by:

  • Walking, biking, or taking SEPTA to get around the city
  • Asking your hotel to not change your sheets and towels with each cleaning service
  • Visiting local businesses to support local production and reduce our carbon footprint
  • Depositing your mylar heat sheets on your way out so they can be recycled

Some of the earth-saving steps we are taking behind the scenes:

  • Using e-cards instead of paper for discount offers
  • Transitioning to a digital runner bag to reduce use of paper and other material
  • Encouraging runners to register online
  • Offering information on our website encouraging participants to travel around Philadelphia by public transportation
  • The Pennsylvania Convention Center, which hosts the Expo, performs single stream recycling to divert waste from landfills.
  • The expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center achieved LEED® certification in 2011

Here’s what we do on the course to be a more sustainable event:

  • Donating all excess food from the race to those in need with the help of Philabundance
  • Recycling cardboard and plastics on the race course and at the Finish Line
  • Eliminating the use of Styrofoam throughout the event
  • Setting up waste stations at the start/finish line and providing volunteers to help with sorting waste for composting and recycling
  • Recycling excess runners’ medals
  • Recovering runners’ clothing at the race day starting line to donate to local charitable organizations
  • Donating excess food products such as water and/or runners’ snacks to local shelters, charitable organizations, recreation programs, school groups and other competitive race organizations
  • Monitoring course and emergency functions primarily through the use of bicycles, scooter units, and ATV’s, minimizing the carbon footprint as compared to fuel-guzzling vehicles and ambulances