The Hartford Marathon Foundation, producer of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, has earned Gold Level certification by the Council for Responsible Sport (Council) for its social and environmental sustainability initiatives. This is the second certification for the event, held October 11, 2014— the first was in 2008.
“The continuation of our valuable partnership with Eversource will help further sustainability efforts and support the event’s positive impact on local communities, charities and participants,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon.
2014 marked the 8th year of the now infamous 40-ft water bubbler at the finish line of the Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon
Some highlights from the event sustainability initiatives included:
- Single-use plastic water bottles were eliminated from the event entirely and instead runners were given reusable bottles. In addition, athletes were given the opportunity to drink from a 40-ft long waste-free water bubbler at the finish line.
- 2,500 youth participated in the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s FitKids program including a one-mile fun run and healthy training skills camp.
- 70 percent of the food served was from local producers or organic sources, including apple crisp made by local technical high school students.
- 37 athletes with disabilities completed the marathon, half marathon or 5k.
- The event neutralized its contribution to climate change by purchasing verified carbon dioxide emission offsets from Native Energy.
To see the full press release with more information about the certification effort, click here, or view the event sustainability infographic here. The Council offers its congratulations to the Hartford Marathon Foundation for setting out with a bold plan to be a leader in the movement towards more responsible sport and for delivering so thoroughly on its commitments, as proven by this most recent Gold Level Certification.
Local youth weigh and record compost at the 2014 Hartford Marathon Foundation’s FitKids event. 2,500 youth joined in, learning healthy lifestyle and fitness skills.
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