The Bigfoot Snowshoe race is something I can describe only as having an odd but irresistible attraction. I mean, running a 5K or 10K is hard enough in shoes on roads or trails. But run in snow? Who does that? Well, I have every year since 2014, along with about five hundred others who strapContinue reading “Chilly and Chili: Bigfoot Snowshoe 5K/10K Sustainability Report”
Author Archives: happyplanetrunning
Dexter-Ann Arbor Run 2021 Sustainability Report
The Dexter-Ann Arbor Run is one of Ann Arbor’s longest-running events. This is the 47th year of the event, and the third using a Zero Waste approach. Once again we achieved over 90 percent landfill diversion, officially making it a “Zero Waste” event per ZWIA guidelines! Attendance was down from previous years but still healthy,Continue reading “Dexter-Ann Arbor Run 2021 Sustainability Report”
Running Between the Vines Sustainability Report
The run at Sandhill Crane Vineyards returned this year, and conditions were perfect for both the races and the post-race party. “It’s almost like cheating,” the race director said of the weather. The event features a half marathon, 5-miler, and 5K. After their race, runners head behind the vineyard to enjoy live jazz, wine tastings,Continue reading “Running Between the Vines Sustainability Report”
The Legend Races 2021 Sustainability Report
The image you see above is of a Zero Waste Station that was unattended through an entire event. In earlier years I would not have dared to attempt this. And yet this year it has been successfully managed twice! In both cases the waste bins required only minor sorting before dropping them off at theContinue reading “The Legend Races 2021 Sustainability Report”
Battle of Waterloo 2021 Sustainability Report
What’s better than a triathlon – a three-stage swim/bike/run event? How about a ten-stage swim/bike/run event? Over a hundred athletes thought it was a good idea. And what’s even better than that? A ten-stage event that goes Zero Waste, of course. And such is the Battle of Waterloo, so-called because it traverses the trails, roads,Continue reading “Battle of Waterloo 2021 Sustainability Report”
Pterodactyl Triathlon Sustainability Report
The third triathlon in the RF Events T-Rex series kicked off on a beautiful evening in the Island Lake Recreation Area. While attendance was nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, total waste dropped to its lowest ever – under 100 pounds! Contributing factors include optional, order-ahead T-shirts (reducing packaging), lighter medals with no inner plastic wrappingContinue reading “Pterodactyl Triathlon Sustainability Report”
Firecracker 5K Sustainability Report
Independence Day in Ann Arbor wouldn’t be the same without its traditional 5K event. At least not to runners, and the Epic Races team! And so despite a warm morning and a new location, the show went on without a hitch. This year’s event, for several reasons, took place at Briarwood Mall instead of downtownContinue reading “Firecracker 5K Sustainability Report”
Triceratops Triathlon 2021 Sustainability Report
The RF Events T-Rex Triathlon series was back to normal last Wednesday, after a pint-sized Stegosaurus Tri earlier in June. Back to standard attendance, post-race sandwiches and live music, and the vibe of an athletic event! With a team of just two people, we set up a single Zero Waste Station near the parking lot,Continue reading “Triceratops Triathlon 2021 Sustainability Report”
Epic Races Goddess Weekend 2021 Sustainability Report
The forecast for last weekend at Portage Lake predicted a soggy mess for the Epic Races Goddess 5K on Saturday and the Tri Goddess Tri on Sunday. But the weather goddesses were smiling down on us, and both days were (nearly) rain-free, making for happy athletes and happier staff. We set up our Zero WasteContinue reading “Epic Races Goddess Weekend 2021 Sustainability Report”
Flirt with Dirt 5K/10K Sustainability Report
This event represented a first for Happy Planet Running – leaving the Zero Waste station unattended for an entire race. Yes, perhaps a more fitting title for this was Flirt with Disaster, but I don’t get to name the races. I’m just the Trashman. How did this come about? A very fortunate event – theContinue reading “Flirt with Dirt 5K/10K Sustainability Report”
Happy Planet Running 