Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon recognized as environmentally responsible

The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon has been awarded Silver Level Certification by the Council for Responsible Sports. Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5K is the only other Canadian race to be given this status.

The council has designed this program as a way to recognize social and environmental responsibility at sports events. Now, the Toronto Waterfront Marathon will be joining big-name international races like the Chicago, Houston, LA and Mexico City marathons, in holding this certification.

When awarding sporting events, the council judges based on five categories: planning and communication, procurement, resource management, access and equity and community legacy.

Many things helped the marathon achieve this status. The directors have come up with several waste prevention methods including a paperless registration and providing athletes and spectators with a free bike valet service to reduce race day carbon emissions. Its health and fitness expo was also held at the Allstream Centre — Canada’s first LEED silver status conference location. Last year, the marathon also collected 120 pairs of running shoes to donate to runners in need. In 2014, it was host to 173 charities as well.

This has been a big year for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The race was also awarded IAAF Gold Label status in January.