PLAYFWD℠ realizes the importance of organizing socially and environmentally responsible events. Our approach is all encompassing, with a focus on waste management, community involvement, and health promotion. Some of the aspects that we employ are:

 

• Certification of Sustainability

  • It is our goal that each and every PLAYFWD℠ event is certified by the Council for Responsible Sport. The certification process is rigorous and time consuming but it shows that PLAYFWD® is committed to the full circle sustainability of its events. Being certified ensures that the event has considered sustainability in all of its decisions. For more information on The Council for Responsible Events, please visit www.councilforresponsiblesport.org.

• Leave No Trace

  • PLAYFWD℠ has partnered with Leave No Trace to promote their organization and principles. For more information on Leave No Trace please visit their website http://lnt.org/.

• CUPLESS RACE

  • We are a cupless race. Every participant (runner, volunteer, friend, family, crew, etc) should bring two cups, one for cold liquid and one for hot liquid. We will provide water, hot chocolate, and coffee but you need to bring the container, this includes WHILE YOU ARE RUNNING.

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

  • Yes, that good old adage works so well that we are reusing it (haha). Our first step is to reduce as much waste as possible, from goodie bags, to packaging, to individually wrapped do-dads. The next step is to reuse what we can and recycle/compost the rest. Our goal is to divert at least 80% of all waste.

• Renewable Energy

  • PLAYFWD℠ Village does use power. Our goal is to switch over to renewable sources such as solar and pedal-power when possible.

• Carbon Offsets

  • We have partnered with TerraPass to offer carbon offsets to participants. To learn more about why carbon offsets are important please visit www.terrapass.com.

• No Styrofoam

  • It is very difficult to recycle and its production can be very damaging to the earth’s ozone layer. Our goal is no Styrofoam during the event.

• Trail Conservation

  • Our goal is always to leave it better than we found it. If the trails need work before or after the race, we have committed to making that happen. Partnering with local trail conservation groups is one way we are making it happen.

• Education

  • Many of our runners are new to running and trails. Educating not only the ethics of running but how and why to protect our streets and pristine places is our goal.

• Local Non-Profits Collaborating Together

  • Whenever possible we partner with, support, and promote local non-profits whose mission is to promote healthy active lifestyles for kids AND/OR support/maintain local running/biking/equestrian trails.

• And More

These are just some of the things on our sustainability radar. The goal is to take one more step towards sustainability every day. We ask you to help us keep our EVENTS sustainable. Here are some of the things you and your team can do to do your part.

 

Many of these rules follow the principles of LEAVE NO TRACE. You should know and practice these principles outside of the race, whenever you are on the trails:

 

• Carbon Footprint

  • Carpool to the event and purchase carbon offsets for your team travel.

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

  • Don’t use disposable plates/silverware/cups/napkins, stay away from food with excessive packaging, you know... reduce, reuse, recycle.

• Take Nothing

  • Take nothing but photos. Leave natural or historic objects as you find them, this includes wildflowers and native grasses. Removing or collecting trail markers is serious vandalism that puts others at risk.

• Leave Nothing

  • No littering. Leave nothing but footprints. Pack out at least as much as you pack in. Gel wrappers with their little torn-off tops and old water bottles don’t have a place on the trail. Consider wearing apparel with pockets that zip or a hydration pack that has a place to secure litter you find on the trail. Any runners who are reported to have damaged private or public property or to have littered, urinated or defecated on the course will be disqualified and will not be invited back. Toilets and trash cans will be provided in the Village. Costumes are highly encouraged but they should not end up on the course. Costumes with feathers, glitter, etc are not allowed.

• Stay on The Path

  • Run only on designated path surfaces. Cutting switchbacks or running next to them increases our footprint on the natural environment. When multiple routes exist, run on the one that is the most worn. No cutting the course. Call out “on your left” when trying to overtake another runner and allow other runners to pass you. 

• Run Over Obstacles

  • Use caution when going over obstacles, but challenge yourself by staying in the path.

  • GET MUDDY IF YOU CAN. IT’S ABOUT HAVING FUN. PUDDLES ARE FUN.

  • BE A KID, HAVE FUN BUT PLAY SAFELY. 

 

BE NICE TO OTHERS AND NATURE. 

 

THAT’S THE POINT OF OUR EVENTS.

 

CONNECTING ALL COMMUNITIES AND CHILDREN GLOBALLY.