---

Many popular road races are making an effort to cut down on the litter these events produce, with some following the lead of the more progressive trail races that have gone cupless, among other measures. Some races, including the the Conwy Half-Marathon in Wales, warned runners ahead of last Sunday’s race that they faced disqualification if they dropped litter on the course outside of water stations (even if it involved cups supplied by the race).

“Runners will now be disqualified and taken off the results if seen discarding their rubbish outside of a water stop or not with a marshal,” according to the race site. The threats must be working, because so far we’re not aware of anyone actually being DQ’d for this reason.

Races like the Road2Hope Marathon in Hamilton have adopted similar policies, warning runners to discard cups, bottles and clothing at water stations only or risk being DQ’d. We found similar litter warnings at the Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon in Minnesota, whose rules state that “littering along the trail will be cause for disqualification.” At the 2018 HK100 in Hong Kong, winner and course-record-setter Liang Jing was DQ’d for taking a water bottle from a passing hiker–and then dropping it on the course. But though the media criticized plastic litter after the 2018 Grand Brighton Half-Marathon in the UK, there is still nothing in that race’s rules about avoiding litter.

The London Marathon has been a pioneer in the effort to reduce its environmental impact, and specifically to reduce waste at marathons–but so far we have not seen threats of disqualification for littering.

With 47,000 plastic water bottles lying on the streets of London after the 2018 race, it really needed some radical new ideas. Some examples: providing water in bottles made from recycled plastic, reducing the number of hydration stations on the course, introducing drop zones for plastic water bottles, delivering discarded plastic bottles directly to a recycling plant, using compostable cups, providing biodegradable or edible water pouches made of seaweed, and providing re-usable water belts. Similar efforts were targeted at spectators this year.

Our own Sudburyrocks!!! Marathon is planning on replacing single use bottles at our 2020 finish line. They will be replaced with reusable plastic bottles that will be filled onsite. This change will eliminate about 2000 single use bottles.

 

 

---

Most of Canada has seen their first snowfall, and this means that winter running has officially begun. While some runners enjoy cold weather running more than others, there are some inevitable steps that runners go though when venturing into the wild snow-covered streets for their morning miles.

Last winter we wrote a piece about the seven emotional stages of winter running, this year we’re making the list even longer because upon further consideration (and the knowledge that this is supposed to be a rough winter), there are so many more than seven stages.

 

Stage 1 – Getting dressed in your very cold bedroom - Waking up before the sun to go and run in the snow is a tough sell, but the biggest barrier to overcome is really getting out of your warm bed. Once you get out of your warm bed, you’re faced with the reality that you have to get dressed for your run in a glacial bedroom–another difficult thing to do.

Stage 2 – Struggling to lift your knees because you’re wearing too many layers - Even with the best technical gear, there are days when runners feel like a sausage in a casing as they head out the door. You want to be warm enough, but remember that you might be a little cold during the first 10 minutes of your winter run, this is normal. We promise you’ll warm up and ultimately be happy that you left those five extra quarter zips at home.

Stage 3 – Realizing that you didn’t properly dry your shoes from yesterday’s run - If you’ve invested in winter running shoes, then this stage probably doesn’t apply to you. But if you’re running in you all-season trainers through the snowy months, this stage is all too real. You don’t want your feet wet before you’ve even left the comfort of your home.Pro tip: Winter running shoes make a huge difference, we strongly recommend buying them.

Stage 4 – Not paying attention to your footing, near contact with pavement - As you work into your run and your mind wanders, try and remember to pay attention to where you’re going. Even on a cleared path there are still icy patches–keep an eye out otherwise you may end up in a tangle with the ground.

Stage 5 – Meeting fellow winter runners, nodding quickly to acknowledge your winter-running solidarity - For fear of getting very cold, most runners don’t stop mid-winter run to chat. They will acknowledge each other with a quick nod.

Stage 6 – Must use washroom but government-run parks are closed for the season - Your winter running route may need to be different from your summer running route for bathroom purposes. See if there’s a Tim Hortons of McDonalds along the way as the washroom you usually use may be closed for the season.

Stage 7 – So excited for shower, too hot to start - You’ve completed your run and you’re very excited to eat some warm food and take a hot shower. However, be careful about hopping in that hot shower too quickly or you may feel a burn worse that the burn you felt during your run.

Stage 8 – Extreme pride knowing that you spent some time outdoors - The fresh air really does feel better. Unless it’s totally treacherous (and those days do exist) try to schedule time for an outdoor run. You’re body and mind will thank you.