Long-distance running events can significantly impact the environment. From transportation to waste management, we are working to implement more environmentally conscious practices to minimize our carbon footprint and promote responsible participation. Here’s what we’ve got going on for 2025 Carlsbad:
Ditching Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles
Nearly 3 billion plastic bottles go unrecycled each year in California. To do our part, we’ve phased out single-use plastic bottles and have replaced them with infinitely recyclable aluminum cans from Open Water. By making this switch, we’re cutting down on over 6,000 single-use plastic bottles per event.
Compostable Cups at Support Stations—And a Solar-Powered Solution!
Another area of improvement is at our support stations. All of our support stations now feature fully compostable cups for both water and Gatorade. The cups will then be taken from the course, sorted into the correct receptacles back at our main event site, and then taken to Republic’s solar-powered composting facility in Otay, CA. This ensures the cups are broken down sustainably, reducing their environmental impact.
Sorting Waste for Proper Disposal
Speaking of sorting waste, you will see three different kinds of trash bins at this year’s race. We’ve set up waste-sorting stations throughout the event, clearly marked for recycling, compost, and landfill trash. Each bin will also have signs showing what goes where. Our waste collection team will help maintain these bins during and after the Finish Line Festival to ensure the contents are disposed of correctly. We want to make recycling and composting easy for our participants and spectators, so be on the lookout for our new waste stations and make sure to sort your waste into the correct bin.
Protecting the Ocean and Final Course Sweep ️
We are so lucky to run along the beautiful Carlsbad coastline, so it’s critical that we keep waste and debris away from our beaches and waterways. We have a dedicated course clean-up crew, storm drain protection in place, and lots of volunteers at support stations along the course, but this is an area where we really need your help! Please make sure to place all waste in the correct bins along the course! Only let your feet touch the ground!
Donating Leftover Clothing to Those in Need
It’s common for runners to shed extra layers of clothing as they warm up during the race. Along with waste, our professional clean-up company also collects any clothing left at the start line and on the course. We then donate those items and other leftover textiles to local charities. This not only reduces waste but is an awesome opportunity to upcycle clothing to a new home!
Finisher Food Bag Donations
Along with clothing donations, we are working to reduce food waste! Any leftover food from our finisher bags and the event is donated to local food recovery organizations like Bread of Life Rescue Mission and Ministerio Tiempo Nuevo, ensuring nothing useful goes to waste.
A Few Steps You Can Take:
- Organize a carpool on race day to reduce car pollution.
- Bring a hydration vest or re-fillable water bottle.
- Bring a change of clothes instead of using a single-use heat blanket after the race.
- Pay attention to which waste bin you are using at the race.
- At support stations, throw all of your waste into the correct bins!
As we prepare for the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K, we’re excited to take these steps to create a more sustainable race experience. We hope our efforts inspire participants and other organizations to join us in protecting the planet, one race at a time!