1. Sustainability Scorecard: Calculate Your Impact
Returning this year, participants can track and understand their environmental impact through our Sustainability Scorecard found in the Official Race App. Powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the scorecard allows runners to calculate their carbon footprint based on travel, apparel choices, and more. This feature encourages participants to make greener decisions, whether it’s choosing eco-friendly transportation options or minimizing waste. It’s a small but important step toward making each runner aware of their individual contribution to a sustainable future.
2. Green Bib Registration Option
In an effort to minimize waste, we’ve introduced a Green Bib registration option. By opting for this eco-friendly choice, participants can choose to forego receiving a race shirt and medal. This is perfect for those who want to enjoy the marathon while being mindful of excess materials. Not only does this reduce the production of items, but it also aligns with a growing trend in sustainable racing, allowing runners to celebrate their participation while helping the planet.
3. 100% Recycled Medals
For 2024, our finisher medals will be crafted from 100% recycled content. These sustainable medals symbolize not just your achievement, but our shared commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our event. By using recycled materials, we cut down on the need for new resources, making each medal a symbol of both personal and planetary triumph.
4. Plogging Event: Clean Up While You Run
In collaboration with sustainability advocate Tina Muir and Trans Canada Trail, we’re hosting a Plogging Event on Friday, October 18th at 12:30 PM, starting from the race expo. Plogging combines jogging with litter collection, offering runners the chance to give back to the community by keeping the marathon route clean. This event is a fantastic way to engage with fellow participants, make a tangible difference, and have some pre-race fun. Tag along with us and help Toronto shine a little brighter!
5. Donate Your Used Running Shoes and Gear
Got some gently-used running shoes or gear lying around? Bring them to the CRS Foundation Booth at the race expo! We’ve partnered with local organizations to ensure your donated items go to good use, providing much-needed apparel to communities in need. This is an easy and impactful way to support sustainability and help others while cleaning out your closet.
Bonus: Water Refill Stations
To reduce plastic waste, we’re excited to provide water refill stations at both pre- and post-race areas, as well as at water stations along the route. Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles to stay hydrated while minimizing their environmental footprint. By opting for reusable containers, we’re collectively cutting down on the thousands of plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans.
The 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is an event that celebrates not only the joy of running but also our commitment to protecting the environment. With these sustainability initiatives, we’re inviting everyone to join us in making a positive impact—one step, one race, one community at a time.
Ready to race with purpose? Let’s make this marathon the greenest yet! 🌱
