Once again Belle Isle was the site for the Mother’s Day Run put on by Epic Races. With its location right next to the James Scott Memorial Fountain and the views of the river and riverfronts, it’s a great place to put on an event like this.
Nearly five hundred people showed up to run, celebrate motherhood, and (maybe) enjoy an adult beverage. And Happy Planet Running was there to make sure the event was as planet-friendly as possible.
Tell me, where else are you going to find a waste station with a view like this?
We set up two staffed Zero Waste Stations, one next to the food tables, and one at the entrance/exit to the adult beverages area. We also put an All Waste box next to the Water Monster in the finish area to collect cups. At the finish line we collected the plastic wrap from the medals and left a box for used cable ties. We also gave the kitchen staff a box for used disposable gloves and a couple for miscellaneous waste.
Post-race food included pancakes with blueberry sauce, egg wraps, bananas, cookies, and popcorn (very popular). And drinks included sparkling water and vodka spritzers.
One small issue was the mixing of traditional waxed paper cups with the plain paper ones, which we had to sort out separately. The waxed ones are a sponsor requirement. (Now if we can only convince them to provide compostable branded cups.) But either way, the cups are a huge improvement over disposable plastic water bottles, in volume in ease of handling, and overall sustainability. Love the Water Monster!
Thanks to staffer Debbie, and Kevin, our volunteer, for all your collecting and sorting. Great job, guys!
Happy Planet Running 