Stuffing Runners, Not the Trash: RF Events Turkey Trot Sustainability Report

Over 4,000 runners and less than two pounds of landfill. Now there’s something to be grateful for! RF Events continued its tradition of a Thanksgiving Day 5K in downtown Ann Arbor, and turkeys, giant fruit, and Christmas characters (even a Grinch) were there to run the 5K. (And some regular runners showed up, too.) WeContinue reading “Stuffing Runners, Not the Trash: RF Events Turkey Trot Sustainability Report”

Epic Races A2 Turkey Trot Sustainability Report

It’s turkey time again, and runners are getting an early start on burning off the calories. Hundreds of runners and their families showed up on a chilly morning to run a 5K or 10K, (or even both) and enjoy some pumpkin spice pancakes. And this year’s event was “greener” than ever, with a reduction inContinue reading “Epic Races A2 Turkey Trot Sustainability Report”

Hot Cocoa Classic 2019 Sustainability Report

What’s better than hot chocolate after a November morning race with a steep climb in it? Hot chocolate with marshmallows and candy canes, of course! And so several hundred people cheerfully ran or walked up and down the Mt. Brighton ski hill. The challenge for the Zero Waste team is handling a lot of wasteContinue reading “Hot Cocoa Classic 2019 Sustainability Report”

Orchard Trifecta: Go Apples 2019 Sustainability Report

It was a chilly morning at Country Mill and Orchard, but the runners showed up anyway to sneak in a race and have cider and treats before the rain came. Did the Zero Waste team mind supporting “yet another” orchard race? Right. Pass the donuts, please!

Run Scream Run 2019 Sustainability Report

A scary race in an apple orchard, with a costume contest and cider and donuts for the survivors. That’s Run Scream Run, a 5K or 10K race that takes runners through an orchard, nearby woods, and through a haunted village featuring mummies and chainsaw-wielding maniacs. And what if the cups, leftover food, and cardboard hadContinue reading “Run Scream Run 2019 Sustainability Report”

A Flippin’ Good Time! Scrumpy Skedaddle Sustainability Report

Fall has officially arrived, and it’s peak season at the cider mills. Combine a race with terrific apple cider, pancakes, and live music, and you have a recipe for a very popular event. And so it has proved for the Scrumpy Skedaddle at Almar Orchards. When even the race director (right of stroller) gets intoContinue reading “A Flippin’ Good Time! Scrumpy Skedaddle Sustainability Report”

In the Deep End: Swim to the Moon 2019 Sustainability Report

The 10th annual Swim to the Moon was, for the athletes, and the charitable camp the race supported, a really good day. It went swimmingly, one might say. Behind the scenes, things were a bit less serene. A full race field combined with a shortage of volunteers made for a long morning for everyone, includingContinue reading “In the Deep End: Swim to the Moon 2019 Sustainability Report”

Wine, Dine, and Run: Running Between the Vines 2019 Sustainability Report

What’s better than an early morning run that ends in a vineyard? Getting to have wine afterwards, of course – with live jazz and food thrown in. And you get a shirt, and a race-branded wine goblet to enjoy the vintages of your choice! With all that pampering comes hundreds of pounds of cardboard boxes,Continue reading “Wine, Dine, and Run: Running Between the Vines 2019 Sustainability Report”

Uber Ober: Oberun Ypsilanti 2019 Sustainability Report

A beautiful summer evening, live music, food, running – and beer. Does that sound to you like a formula for a popular event? You would be right! And that makes for a very busy few hours for the Zero Waste team. Could we avoid the near calamities of the past two years, and manage whateverContinue reading “Uber Ober: Oberun Ypsilanti 2019 Sustainability Report”

High Standards: Flirt with Dirt and Canton Liberty Run Sustainability Reports

After we wrapped up the waste collection at the Canton Liberty Run, I brought the tiny bag of landfill waste to show the RF Events staff. It was less than one percent of the total waste we collected. They were impressed as usual – except for one who seemed a bit disappointed. “It isn’t aContinue reading “High Standards: Flirt with Dirt and Canton Liberty Run Sustainability Reports”