The Calgary Marathon folks have invited runners (and spectators) to take the “Total Zero Footprint Pledge.” By agreeing runners (and spectators) will:
- BYOB. Pledge to bring your own refillable water bottle & forgo paper cups on the route.
- Walk. Run. Carpool. Transit. Get to and from the race in a sustainable method.
- Leave Nothing Behind. Take out what you take in, this includes clothing, garbage & grab bag goodies.
I’ve made the pledge and not only because there’s a contest draw for all the pledgers! I think we should try to reduce our footprint every chance we get. (Particularly since Canada is horribly behind on its efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions Shame!)
My initial concern was the first pledge ––– bringing my own water. I hate carrying water when I run. I’ve tried several water belts. They all annoy me. Recently I purchased a 3-litre CamelBak. I’ve only worn it on one long run. It didn’t bother me too much and I avoided any chaffing from the straps. As an extra precaution, I am going to put moleskin on the straps before the marathon.
I had heard there would be no water at the stations. Of course this was dead wrong. No race director would put that many runners in danger. Can you imagine? I am curious if there are any road races that do not have water stations. Of course trail races and ultras have aid stations but I curious about road races.
I don’t think it would even be possible to run a large marathon like the Calgary marathon sans water. As part of the challenge, the organizers have opened up its FB page to comments and suggestions on the paper cup conundrum. What do you think?