Vancouver half-marathon recognized for going green

The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon has gone green.

The Council for Responsible Sport has certified the Canada Running Series race with a silver level certification for their efforts to minimize waste and maximize positive social impact in the community. They are the first Canadian road race to receive the distinction.

“At Canada Running Series, we’ve always been committed to producing world-class events that showcase the cities we run in and benefit our community. We are very proud of the green initiatives our Vancouver team has brought forward.” said Alan Brookes, race director, in a press release. “[We] are honoured to be the first silver certified event in Canada.”

The Vancouver half is being recognized for having a nearly 98 per cent waste diversion rate, and five times more waste was recycled in the 2013 event than in 2012. Race organizers also offset their carbon footprint further by purchasing green energy credits which were bought through Cow Power, a organization which is developing a method for turning cow food waste and manure into an alternative green energy source.

Canada Running Series also donated all the clothing left at the start line and extra race shirts to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre and worked with youth groups in get over 150 at-risk youth involved in running the 5K or half-marathon.

The race infused the local economy with an estimated $1 million.

The Council for Responsible Sport is a Portland organization working to pair event organizers with socially and environmentally responsible practices.