BMO Vancouver Marathon Now One of the City’s Greenest Running Events
New sustainability initiatives are in place to achieve an even larger rate of waste diversion for 2015
Vancouver, BC – December 15, 2014 – The BMO Vancouver Marathon is a top green event in the city with increased sustainability measures in place for the 2015 event. With the use of bike valets, additional free shuttles for runners, more sustainable food options, and an added presence of recycling and disposal options, the 2015 race weekend aims to achieve a 90% waste diversion rate.
In order to achieve this green goal, the Vancouver International Marathon Society (Society) – the non-profit organization responsible for the event – plans to have more green stations at the downtown Finish Line and more recycling at the Start Line, on-course and at the Kid’s Fun Run. In addition, event organizers are looking at sourcing local, organic food and beverage options for runners as well as increase the location and number of free shuttles for runners on race morning.
All BMO Vancouver Marathon participants are given a free transit ticket to use on race day and have the option to take a free shuttle to the Start from one of five Lower Mainland locations, or take advantage of a free bike valet.
With new sustainability measures in place, the Society has also created a Green Code of Conduct to help inform runners and spectators of the recycling and transportation options available during event weekend, as well as remind them of their role in greening the event.
“The BMO Vancouver Marathon has scored 18% higher than the average local event in the City’s Green Event evaluation,” says Ann Cooper, Green Events Program Coordinator at the City of Vancouver. “The program evaluates events on their sustainability measures and provides recommendations on how to advance greening of events. As a major event within the city, we’ve noticed the BMO Vancouver Marathon’s score steadily increase as it becomes greener each year.”
In 2014, the BMO Vancouver Marathon achieved a total of 84% waste diversion through various measures, including recycling remaining medals and signs and supplying sustainable, organic cups on course. In addition, over three tons of discarded runners’ clothing was donated to the Salvation Army, and extra food was donated to Quest Food Exchange, a Run4Hope community charity of the event. By working with recycling and disposal companies on course, as well as 4,000 volunteers, the event diverted a total of 6,429 kg of waste from local landfills – the equivalent of approximately 980 garbage bags.
“With a commitment to delivering an environmentally and economically sustainable event, the Vancouver International Marathon Society has worked closely with suppliers and stakeholders to provide the greenest options,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Society “As a non-profit, organization with a 44 year history within the city, the Society values the ability to lead by example and create a legacy within Vancouver and among other running events.
To assist us in achieving our goals, runners are encouraged to dispose of goods such as plastic bags, old clothing garments, gels, etc. in proximity of the 29 stations out on course and to avoid dropping items on bridges or along the Seawall which is close to the shoreline. Runners should also make use of the recycling stations as opposed to regular city bins,” concludes Krepiakevich.