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Sustainability.

The Servus Calgary Marathon dedicates time, energy and resources to reduce the environmental impact of the race. The Servus Calgary Marathon aims to build upon the previous year’s green initiatives to create an even more sustainable event for the whole family, and you can help too!

2022 STATS

42,000

Cups composted

200

5 Gallon Water Jugs Reused

5,000

Plastic Bags Saved from Landfill

156

Bikes Parked

What Is Sustainability Anyway?

It’s a term we hear all the time, but it has different meanings for different people. For us, it means doing what we can in our day-to-day life to maintain the environment. There has been a huge shift in the way we live and we’ve seen the impact on the world around us.

To ensure the sustainability of our environment and our city, we all need to take many small actions to improve our surroundings for future generations. We know that nothing beats the allure of the great outdoors when it comes to running!

The Servus Calgary Marathon Sustainability Program offers simple, easy to adopt choices to help you be a green athlete. Read on to learn more about our efforts to make the Servus Calgary Marathon a leader in race event sustainability!

Our Sustainability Initiatives

  • Clusters of recycle, compost and waste bins placed around Stampede Park for the Runner's Expo and Race Day.
    • Solar-powered recycle, compost and waste bins have been introduced.
  • Compostable cups from along the route are collected and composted.
  • Compostable plates and cutlery are used by event staff and volunteers.
  • E-Newsletters and registration for all Servus Calgary Marathon race weekend events are electronic.
  • Expo visitors and race participants are encouraged to walk, run, bike, carpool, or take transit with two C-train stops that service Stampede Park. A secure bike zone is available for participants to park their bikes.
  • A team of “Race Recyclers” assist visitors to properly discard waste in recycle, compost or garbage bins and pick up discarded waste around Stampede Park.
  • Leftover finishers’ medals and other metal medals collected during the Runner's Expo are recycled at Blackfoot Metal or repurposed.
  • Race finishers are able to download a complimentary digital finisher’s certificate.
  • Leftover fruit and pre-packaged food is donated to a local charity.
  • Discarded participant clothing is also donated to a local charity.
  • The quantity of excess shirts and medals remaining post-race has been reduced by over 75% since 2017.
  • Sponsors and partners offer special promotions in the Virtual Goody Bag.  A “no paper” policy at package pick-up means promotions, coupons and discounts are delivered to your inbox.
  • The participant Race Guide and Volunteer Handbook are now fully paperless and distributed electronically.
  • In 2023, we introduced a Water Refill Station that can be used to refill reusable water bottles on site.

Be a Green Athlete

Everyone has a part to play in sustainability, as we are all stewards of the planet. This extends to Race Weekend and what you can do to contribute. We aspire to provide you with simple, easy to adopt choices to help you Be a Green Athlete in ways that make a difference.

Take the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Challenge:

Reducing, reusing and recycling are three easy ways to help limit our environmental impact. Let us help you incorporate the 3Rs into your regular running routine AND on Race Day! Take the “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Challenge” for any Servus Calgary Marathon event and commit to making green choices on race day.

Before you accept the challenge you will be asked to commit to adopting the 3Rs on Race Day:

  • Reduce your carbon footprint by using green transportation to get to the race (walking, biking, carpooling, public transit): We are supporting your choice to Reduce your carbon footprint by providing a secure bike valet on Race Day and by being accessible by transit with two C-train platforms that service Stampede Park.
  • Reuse your water bottle and forgo paper cups: We are supporting your choice to Reuse your water bottle and forgo paper cups by introducing new hydration jugs with quick pour valves and by dedicating “Race Recycler” volunteers, visible in their green shirts, at aid stations to assist runners. A water bottle refill station is also available at the finish line area once you've completed your race.
  • Recycle all that you can and leave nothing behind: We are supporting your choice to Recycle all that you can by providing solar-powered compost, recycle and waste bins and to leave nothing behind by providing clear bags and a secure bag check so you take out what you take in.

Committing to the 3R’s is a big step towards becoming a green athlete.

Recycle Old Medals and Donate Gently Used Running Shoes:

Bring your old medals and new/gently used running shoes to the Runner's Expo and drop them off at the Fluid Projects booth!

Fluid Projects Inc. will be collecting old, used, and pre-loved metal race medals for recycling. These must be made of metal and can be medals from any event or race, they do not have to be specifically Run Calgary or Calgary Marathon medals!

ReRun Shoe Project will also be on-site collecting new/gently used running shoes that will be donated and give the shoes another life!