Mounds of paper and plastic cups strewn along racecourses have been an embarrassing environmental problem for years at sporting events. But a local race series is finally putting its foot down to crush the cup.
The 5 Peaks trail running series is phasing out all cups on course this year. The move will keep 120,000 paper cups out of the landfill nationally every year, according to organizers.
“A few years ago we started going cup-free in our start/finish area. We saw at other races, like the Sun Run or the Ottawa Marathon, the sea of cups and sponges littered on course and we couldn’t go along with it any more,” said Amy Puzey, national race director of the 5 Peaks series.
Given the nature of trail running, and the fact ultramarathons have also banned paper cups, Puzey said the move is a natural fit. Since 5 Peaks banned paper cups in its start/finish area in 2014, they have saved 60,000 cups.
“It’s unnecessary. Every runner I know owns a water bottle or water vessel of some kind,” Puzey said. “The impact is huge.”
Runners will instead bring their own water bottles or reusable cups, which they can refill on course. 5 Peaks will begin handing out reusable rubber cups to encourage racers to give up paper cups.
“We’re handing out cups from Ultra Spire. You can carry it with you on the course. You don’t take a lot when you’re running fast. Anyone elite will carry a vessel,” Puzey said.
The move has garnered some attention. Puzey said she was asked by the New York Marathon race director how they imposed the no paper cups rule at the finish line.
“We’re small enough we can make it happen,” Puzey said.
She said since 2014, she’s only received one or two negative comments about the move.
It’s not the only environmentally friendly initiative from 5 Peaks. Puzey said the race series is also moving away from made in China awards, opting instead for local artists to create prizes. All 5 Peaks medals are made in Canmore.
“Our medals are made locally by Katie Borrowman … as much as possible, we try to avoid excess packaging,” Puzey said.
The Bow Valley does have a good record for environmentally friendly races. The CAUSE Canada Rocky Mountain Half Marathon has always been a leader in this regard, and the Banff Marathon included an environmental summit along with its event last year.
5 Peaks will hold its first Canmore race of the season on June 11. While hydration is one part of your race strategy, Puzey said it important part is to have fun on the trails.
“Try some more race specific work on the trails. Pick some hills and sprint up them.”
