Green Running - ReSport Sets The Standards for Sustainable Race Practices

I first learned about ReSport Council for Responsible Sport while following the LA Marathon.

Now anyone who has participated in any large road race or triathlon knows the amount of waste generated by such events. Between the disposable cups at the water stations and the trash created at Expo events, the running community has certainly contributed its share in terms of trash. Enter ReSport.

The Council for Responsible Sport was founded in 2007 with support from the Freshwater Trust and since that time the organization has been successful in engendering support from heavy-hitter Nike and numerous race directors across the country.

According to the organization’s website,

“Mass participation athletic events (marathons, triathlons, etc.) rarely consider environmental impact when making decisions. Landfill waste may be substantial, materials are often used once and discarded, and the distances traveled by participants are increasing. While the number of participants increases, harmful practices are becoming commonplace and the items used to stage events are chosen to favor profit margin.

“With growing awareness of environmental responsibility in mainstream habits and media, sporting events provide the opportunity for high-profile realignment toward a planning model that takes into consideration environmental and social impact. In turn, responsible event production can build value for the event, its participants, and its host community.” 

The Council for Responsible Sport provides an independent, comprehensive certification for sustainable athletic events. By defining realistic objectives and providing a framework for achieving them, ReSport enables event directors to incorporate environmental responsibility into their events while informing consumers which events adhere to the stringent ReSport Certification standards. 

Nike has made a major commitment to the concept of sustainable sport by partnering with ReSport to develop a set of operating standards for all Nike’s sporting events.  This “Nike Index” will be used to guide Nike event directors in the development of sustainable practices at all of the company’s sponsored events. The Nike Women’s Marathon last October in San Francisco served as the original pilot for the Nike program and which ultimately culminated in the development of the set of Nike Index standards. 

If you are involved within your community in organizing competitive events or community races, check out the ReSport website to find out more about the certification process. If you’re a runner who supports such practices, the site also provides an online petition that you can sign indicating your support. 

Let’s all support green initiatives for the sport we love…and support the pioneers at ReSport!

• Currently 5.0/5 Stars.