New York, April 22, 2015—In celebration of Earth Day, New York Road Runners (NYRR) is announcing “green strides” made by the organization in 2014. The organization’s yearlong commitment to the health and sustainability of the environment was highlighted by the recycling and green initiatives surrounding its premier event, the TCS New York City Marathon.

“Earth Day is more than a one-day event; it’s a catalyst for continual action and change to preserve the health of our environment and communities” said Mary Wittenberg, president and CEO of New York Road Runners. “We are so fortunate to have many green spaces throughout New York City’s five boroughs that embrace and enliven our running community. We are thrilled to give back to the community through our significant sustainability and recycling efforts surrounding our largest event, the TCS New York City Marathon, and many other events throughout the year, and we’re proud of the work our runners, volunteers, vendors, spectators, and staff do to help us all run a little greener.”

Over the past several years, NYRR has been taking steps to make the organization and its premier event, the TCS New York City Marathon, more environmentally conscious and more “green” for participants, and for New York City, by reducing waste, recycling materials at events, and raising environmental awareness. Since NYRR’s recycling efforts began in 2007, more than 1.7 million lbs. of material has been recovered and repurposed. Below is a breakdown of NYRR’s recycling and sustainability initiatives, and its most recent green strides at the 2014 TCS New York City Marathon.

TCS New York City Marathon Recycling Efforts

·         A total of 397,440 lbs. was recycled or donated at the 2014 TCS New York City Marathon 

o   171,140 lbs. of material was recycled through Royal Waste.

o   19,300 lbs. of unused food was donated to City Harvest to help feed the nearly two million New Yorkers who face hunger each year.

o   207,000 lbs. of clothing was collected and donated to Goodwill Industries of New York and New Jersey, distributed and sold at Goodwill stores throughout the greater New York area—an increase of over 300% from 2013.

·         Since 2007, more than 861,900 lbs. of material has been recycled and diverted from landfills at the TCS New York City Marathon.

Sustainability Efforts at NYRR Races

·         In 2014, NYRR recycled more than 82 tons of material, equating to 85% of the waste generated by weekly races to be diverted from landfills. All discarded materials are sorted at a Royal Waste facility.

·         Event equipment and supplies are sourced from local vendors whenever possible and often reused or repurposed.

·         Event registration and communications are online to limit printed materials.

·         The majority of our runners are taken to the Staten Island start of the TCS New York City Marathon via mass transportation, including 725 buses and four ferries making 14 total trips. The Staten Island Ferry uses ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, also known as “clean fuel.”

·         NYRR uses Blankets to Boards™, an innovative recycling partnership with Trex® Company; this free program allows NYRR to repurpose our Heatsheets™ in the United States, which reduces shipping costs and keeps energy use to a minimum.

·         A Royal Flush, Inc., NYRR’s toilet vendor, supplies portable toilets made with the highest recycled plastic content available, 100% recycled toilet paper, and environmentally friendly deodorizers and cleaners.

·         Most participants in NYRR’s races use mass transit and/or walk to race sites.

About NYRR 

Founded in 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, youth running initiatives, school programs, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.