CATALINA ECO MARATHON SEEKS TO BE EVEN MORE ENVIRONMENTALY FRIENDLY

Catalina Island Conservancy and Spectrum Sports Management Partner to Make This Year’s Event the Greenest Yet

Avalon, CA (November 11, 2015) - The annual Catalina Eco Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Catalina Island on Saturday, November 21^st, and the Catalina Island Conservancy and Spectrum Sports Management are working together to make this year’s event the greenest yet.

“This year we are going cupless,” says Christie Collins, director of leases and special projects for the Catalina Island Conservancy. “Single-use paper or plastic cups have been a mainstay for running events for decades, generating substantial amounts of trash. Even worse, a number of cups invariably make their way into the environment, where they can remain for months, years or even decades if they are plastic.”

 This year, race organizers will be selling reusable cups to the runners who will carry the cup with them during the race.  The cups are specifically designed for athletes, and collapse down flat with a minimal weight. 

 Race organizers have also done away with the traditional gift bag, opting instead for a digital gift bag.  These digital gift bags will include a wide assortment of electronic coupons that race participants can redeem for food, products and attractions.  This not only eliminates the potential for paper and plastic waste, but helps maintain the integrity of our forests by reducing the wood and paper footprint for the event.

 Finally, the Catalina Eco Marathon has also expanded to included recycling stations at both the beginning and finish of the race.

 “The Catalina Eco Marathon and Half Marathon is a one-of-a-kind experience for any runner, outdoor enthusiast and athlete.  Racers will be treated to breathtaking views as they run along ridgelines that show off both sides of the Island, across rolling hills full of beautiful Island oak trees and coastal chaparral,” said Mike Bone, president of Spectrum Sports Management.  “We are excited about our efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of this year’s race, and build upon our legacy of fundraising for the Catalina Island Conservancy.”

 For more information on the Catalina Eco Marathon and Half Marathon, including race entry, go to www.catalinaecomarathon.com. 

About Catalina Conservancy

 Formed in 1972, the Catalina Island Conservancy is one of California's oldest land trusts. Its mission is to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Through its ongoing efforts, the Conservancy protects the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding approximately 42,000 acres of land and more than 60 miles of rugged shoreline. It provides an airport and 50 miles of biking and nearly 150 miles of hiking opportunities within its road and trail system. The Conservancy conducts educational outreach through two nature centers, its Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and guided experiences in the Island’s rugged interior. Twenty miles from the mainland, the Island is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological sites. It also contains numerous rare and endangered animals and plants. The Island is home to 60 species – and counting – that are found only on Catalina. For additional information, please visit www.catalinaconservancy.org.