BMO Vancouver Marathon goes green

In 2014, the BMO Vancouver Marathon managed to achieve a total of 84 per cent waste diversion for the event. Sustainable measures included organic cups on the race course, the recycling of excess medals, donation of discarded clothing and extra food. The result was a diversion of 6,429 kg of waste from local disposal sites, which would be the equivalent of around 980 bags of garbage.

The race hopes to improve even more this year, aiming for a 90 per cent waste diversion rate in 2015. The next event will feature the use of bike valets and free public transit tickets for participants, as well as more sustainable food options and increased recycling opportunities on the event site. Organizers are hoping to source the food and beverage options for runners from the local area.

The BMO Vancouver International Marathon Society has also created a Green Code of Conduct, to help inform runners and spectators of the race’s green goals and options. This code of conduct includes advice such as trying to dispose goods close to any of the 29 aid stations on course, so that they are not blown away to litter the city and to avoid dropping any goods on the Seawall or bridges, due to the possibility of litter ending up in the ocean.

Marathons as a whole saw a change from 2013 to 2014, with many increasing security due to the bombings at the 2013 Boston Marathon. Here’s hoping that the changes regarding marathons from 2014-2015 will involve more races committing to increased eco-friendly conduct.

Easy ways for runners to be eco-friendly

Never drop your used gels/bottles on the road or trail

Donate old shoes and gear to local charities

If you see a piece of garbage on your home trail, consider picking it up and dropping it in the closest receptacle

Respect the forest and its inhabitants by remaining on the trail, as adventurous as off-roading may seem

Use a reusable bottle instead of plastic

Shop sustainable running gear (and be realistic about how much you really need!)