Tips & tricks | Estimated Read time – 5:09
The endurance industry is evolving. From marathon events to intimate community 5Ks, organizing events has always been a logistical challenge. Yet, there’s a growing realization that these events can leave behind an unintended footprint—not in smiles and medals, but in environmental impact.
Single-use plastic bottles, piles of discarded race packets, and energy-intensive setups are just a few of the byproducts. With sustainability no longer a trend but a responsibility, event organizers have a vital role in shaping a greener future for the sport and the planet. But where do you start? And what’s the payoff?
If the idea of organizing a sustainable race feels overwhelming, don’t worry—we’re here to break it down. From simple swaps to full-scale green initiatives, you can incorporate eco-friendly practices that benefit not just the planet but your community and participants as well.
Why sustainability matters in the endurance industry
Every step taken toward sustainability has an impact. Here’s how going green can help:
- Preserving the Environment: Traditional events can result in litter, single-use waste, and often leave an ecological impact on the venues. Opting for sustainable practices protects natural spaces and reduces landfill contributions.
- Enhancing Participant Experience: More runners are seeking events that align with their values. A sustainable event resonates with participants who care about protecting the planet.
- Strengthening Your Brand: Hosting an eco-friendly event elevates your reputation, attracts eco-conscious sponsors, and fosters goodwill in the running community.
- Cost Savings Over Time: While some changes might have upfront costs, going green often saves money in the long run. Reusable signage, digital communications, and bulk buying sustainable materials can reduce recurring expenses.
Tips for organizing sustainable events
Transitioning to an eco-friendly model doesn’t require reinventing the wheel. Here are actionable steps to make your race more sustainable:
1. Reimagine event day hydration
Plastic bottles and disposable cups can be major sources of waste on event day. Instead, switch to reusable cups or hydration stations where runners can refill their own bottles. Partnering with a local sponsor to provide branded water refill stations can also offset costs and align with sustainability goals.
Rethinking your water sources: Grandma’s Marathon sources all of their water station water through fire hydrants & fire trucks. No plastic bottles here!
2. Go digital
Eliminate paper waste by using digital alternatives! By moving registration, waivers, and pre-event instructions online, participants can access everything they need from their phones
—not only is this eco-friendly, but it’s also often more convenient.
Pro Tip: Try out Race Roster’s digital engagement kit feature to offer digital goodie bags and more!
3. Eco-friendly swag and medals
Explore more sustainable, meaningful options for participant goodies. Look for locally made, recycled, or biodegradable swag items. You could even offer participants the option to “opt-out” of swag altogether.
Creative idea: Offer tree-planting gifts in lieu of physical swag. Participants love the chance to make an environmental difference.
4. Reduce and reuse event materials
From event-day banners to mile markers, reuse materials wherever possible. Invest in signage or displays made from durable materials that can be used for future events. For disposable items, opt for materials made from recycled or biodegradable sources.
Example: Canada Running Series uses unbranded race signage whenever possible to ensure they get the most out of the materials they use.
Pro tip: If you have leftover items post-event, donate instead of discarding. Many organizations will take shirts, snacks, or unused race materials for distribution to local charities.
5. Encourage eco-friendly transportation
Transportation can account for significant emissions around event day, particularly if the venue is remote. Incentivize carpooling or offer discounts for participants who walk, bike, or use public transport to the event. Providing a bike valet or organized shuttles can reduce traffic while underscoring your commitment to sustainability.
6. Partner locally
Seek out partnerships with local farms, caterers, or renewable energy companies to power your event and source food. Serving locally grown or organic offerings reduces the carbon footprint and gives back to your community.
Idea: Consider composting waste and serve locally sourced meals at your event, proving every detail of event day can contribute to greener goals.
7. Education and awareness
Engage participants in your sustainability mission. Tell your eco-story through event day announcements, social media, or by providing information stations at the venue. Many runners are eager to learn how their events are reducing environmental harm, so share your wins widely!
Interactive Idea: Host a “green booth” on event day, displaying the environmental impact of your changes and collecting future sustainability ideas from participants.
The benefits of going green
Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Eco-friendly events tend to stand out in a crowded market. Participants feel proud to register for events that align with their values, and sponsors are often eager to associate their brand with positive environmental efforts.
There’s also a growing trend of runners preferring locally supported, small-footprint events to large-scale events that feel disconnected from the environment. By committing to sustainability, your event positions itself as forward-thinking and community-centered.
Final mile
Organizing a sustainable event is a challenge, but it’s one worth tackling. You don’t have to turn your next event into a zero-waste utopia overnight. Every small step toward sustainability adds up, whether it’s opting for compostable utensils or involving participants in green challenges.
The path to sustainable racing is paved with creativity, collaboration, and care. As event directors, you have the power to turn start lines into milestones for meaningful change. Together, we can protect the earth while celebrating the joy of running.
Now it’s your turn to take action. What sustainability initiative will you bring to your next event? Let’s start the conversation and build a greener future for racing. 🌍
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