Going Green

The Big Sur Half Marathon takes place next to the Monterey Bay which showcases one of the most scenic and pristine stretches of coastline in the country. The bay was designated a Federally protected marine area offshore California's Central Coast in 1992. 

We welcome runners and walkers to join us in November for a chance to run or walk along the "ragged edge of the western world."  Because our organization understands the importance and urgency of developing ecologically and environmentally sound practices surrounding our events, we are taking steps to increase our environmental sustainability.  Our events impact the surrounding Monterey Peninsula communities and our efforts to "reduce, re-use, and recycle" go a long way towards keeping our destination cities both "green and pristine."

The Council for Responsible Sport's certification program provides an independent, comprehensive validation of the Big Sur International Marathon's environmental and sustainability initiatives.  ReSport has a set of guidelines and categories that will allow us to merge environmental responsibility into event operation.  The five certification categories include Waste, Climate, Materials & Equipment, Community & Outreach, and Health Promotion.  One credit is awarded for each standard met, and three additional credits are available for innovative practices not included in the standard.  Learn more about ReSport's certification process by clicking HERE.

Below are some of the measures taken to divert waste, in turn saving us money by reducing hauling costs and disposal fees:

• Recycling bottles, cans, plastic and cardboard
• Composting food waste, including utensils, plates, and clear cups
• Diverting wooden pallets for reuse
• Donating leftover food
• Donating abandoned clothing for reuse
• Encouraging participants, especially our walkers, to take part in our "BYOB" program which reduces the number of paper cups used on the course

Other environmental choices with a positive impact include:

• Reducing paper waste by offering participants our Virtual Goodie Bag which allows participants to print only what they are interested in.
• Product selection, such as the purchase of compostable plates, cups, and utensils
• Choosing biodegradable toilet paper for use in porta-potties
• Using a triple green certified printing company for all printed materials
• Going paperless when possible - 98% of registration is currently done online and we hope to make that 100% by 2010
• Recycling of bibs and D-tags
• Renting/borrowing tents, fencing, vehicles (re-using, rather than purchasing)
• Reducing our carbon footprint by encouraging participants to come to the event via "Pickup Pal," a free carpooling service

In 2009 our goal is to divert over 50% of the waste generated by our events.  To do this we will be offering pre-event education and training to our volunteers and to our Expo vendors. In addition to our Virtual Goodie Bag we plan on offering a Goodie Booth at the Expo for the non-paper items that used to go in the bags.  By the end of 2009 we are hoping to have achieved a Green Sport Certification.

Please consider helping us offset the carbon footprint of our event by giving a donation at the time you register for a Big Sur Marathon or Half Marathon event.  The money collected will be used to purchase green tags to offset the carbon emissions created by travel to the event, shuttles to the start, and energy used during the events.  Your financial support will go a long way in helping with this and we thank you in advance for your consideration.

BYOB stands for "Bring Your Own Bottle" and represents an effort on the part of race organizers to reduce the usage of paper cups at aid stations.  If you wish to participate, you can carry one or more bottles that can be refilled at the BYOB station on the Half Marathon course.
While not mandatory for runners, BYOB is a great alternative for those out there to enjoy the beauty of the course.  We strongly encourage all walkers to participate in BYOB.

Looking for alternative lodging? Check out the Monterey Hostel, Veteran's Memorial Park and the Marina Dunes RV Park.

Live local? Consider public transportation. Flying in to San Jose or San Francisco? Take the Airbus to Monterey.

Water conservation is important during your stay on the Monterey Peninsula...and should be just as important in your home town.  For some great water conservation tips, click HERE.