In 2008, we were the first running relay race to introduce a managed, environment awareness effort from start to finish, thanks to our relationship with ATHLETES FOR A FIT PLANET. We continue to receive positive feedback from our runners and will once again be looking to expand our eco-friendly efforts in 2010.





Here's what's in store for 2010.

RECYCLING FROM START TO FINISH

We introduced recycling in 2008 and thanks to your efforts we diverted approximately 1.4 tons of plastic, glass, aluminum cans, and cardboard to recycling. In 2009, this number doubled to approximately 2.8 tons. Waste that otherwise would have ended up in landfills. Thanks for doing your part!

So continue to look for the blue recycling bins at the start, finish and at VTA’s 12, 18, 24 and 30.

NO MORE PLASTIC RACE BAGS

We did away with plastic bags last year and replaced them with two reusable carry bags per team. The bags were used to gather up your recyclables. We are doing the same again in 2009 but will be providing you with bigger, sturdier bags.

ECO-FRIENDLY PORTABLE TOILETS

As we did in 2008, all the port-o-johns at the start, finish, and along the course will be earth friendly in 2009. That means no formaldehyde, chlorine or other toxic chemicals. Even the hand soap and paper are toxin-free and biodegradable.

REDUCING AND OFFSETTING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

With approximately 800 vehicles traveling along the course, the carbon footprint of the Reach the Beach Relay is significant. We estimate the travel alone produces about 125 tons of CO2 emissions. And that doesn't include your travel to and from the race. This year we are stepping up and addressing this important issue in three ways:

1. SUSTAINABLE SPONSOR

We are seeking a corporate partner to cover the cost of offsetting the 125 tons of CO2 emissions from the vehicles traveling the 200-mile course.

2. ENCOURAGE RIDESHARING

We are working with Pickuppal.com and encourage you to organize your own rideshare to and from the race. Look for the Reach the Beach Relay PickupPal link on our website. It's free and you can either offer or ask for a ride from a fellow runner. Ridesharing can significantly reduce the total carbon footprint for the race and its more fun to share the drive.

3. VOLUNTARY OFFSETS FOR YOUR TRAVEL TO THE RACE

We are offering you the opportunity to purchase Green Tags from FITPLANET and NATIVEENERGY to offset the emissions from your travel to and from the race. Each tag offsets 300 lbs or about 300 miles or travel. It's inexpensive at only $2.50 and the money will go to a community-based methane-to-energy project in New York state.

STAINLESS STEEL MUGS AND ALUMINUM WATER BOTTLES

The Reach the Beach Relay stainless coffee mugs were a big hit in 2008 so this year we are expanding our reusables to include an ultra-lightweight 24 oz. aluminum water bottle,that fits in your bike's bottle cage. So now you can get your caffeine fix and stay hydrated. All proceeds from the sales of mugs and water bottles go towards expanding our recycling efforts.