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"Going Green" Initiative

The San Francisco Marathon is making a commitment to continue to reduce our impact on the environment. We have started to implement several changes in our events to support this initiative. Additionally, we have come up with a 5 year plan to continue to address environmental issues that are so important to us, our city, and our runners.

Read about us in the NY Times Article: "Saving the Earth, One Road Race at a Time"

We encourage your support - when you register online for the race, you have the option of donating an additional $5 to help us support our "Going Green" Initiative.

How green are WE?

ZERO to LOW EMISSIONS

  • We have no pace vehicles on our course. Instead, we have pace bicycles.
  • We encourage participants to carpool or bike to the start line.
  • We use biodiesel blends in our generators.
  • We power our awards ceremony with human power - bicycles that are human powered that provide energy for a stage equipment and sound

SPREAD THE WEALTH

  • We donate unused food to local shelters.
  • We donate unused products to underprivileged communities.
  • We collected and donated over 1000 pairs of used shoes.

GOOD THINGS COME IN TREES

  • With the help of our runners, we donate money to green initiatives.
  • All finishers receive an online certificate.
  • We separate recycling, composting and trash.

HERE TODAY, HERE TOMORROW

  • We use compostable cups on the race course.
  • We use biodegradable goody bags at the Expo and reuse them as sweats bags for the race.
  • We create reusable bags out of old street banners.
  • We create recycling plans with our vendors.

How green are YOU?

CHOOSE A STICKY POCKET
  • And stick to it! Place all your used gels and other wrappers into this pocket.
DON'T BE A LITTER BUG
  • Bring your trash to the next aid station.
TISSUE? I BARELY EVEN KNOW YOU
  • Use a handkerchief, instead.
USE ONE CUP AT A TIME
  • At each aid station, reuse your cup. Ask a volunteer to refill it for you!
RINSE AND REUSE
  • Bring your own reusable water bottle wherever you go
SAVE SOME GREEN
  • Carpool or take mass transit
TREAD LIGHTLY
  • Run along trails and paths
YOUR TRASH = SOMEONE'S TREASURE
  • Donate your used running gear

Future Goals (3-5 years)

  • Working with all vendors to implement full recycling plans for heatsheets, medals and bib numbers
  • Creating a water bubbler or alternative to plastic water bottles at Finish Line
  • Through our Cause to Run fundraising program, we are looking at partnering with an environmental non-profit so runners can raise money for that organization through our race, and that organization can also educate our runners and provide tips
  • More fun and creative ideas:  powering expo with human power (bicycles that are human powered that provide energy for a booth); solar powered finish line; harnessing the human energy with energy pads
  • The sky is the limit – send in your suggestions!
WSJ.com: The Race Even Marathoners Fear » Run for Charity! Learn More and Support a Great Cause »