The inaugural race takes place October 26, 2008, in Birmingham, England. Billed as the ‘Race Against Climate Change,’ the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon marks the first non-US race that FitPlanet is supporting. UK-based professional triathlete Toby Radcliffe, FitPlanet’s Senior European Consultant, is working with the City of Birmingham and EDF Energy as the Race Sustainability Director.

For the official EDDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon announcement about FitPlanet’s involvement click here.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon has a lot going for it. In early October the weather is usually cool and crisp making for good running weather. The fast, flat course is perfect for setting a PR. And San Jose is within easy reach of Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and Napa Valley wine country, so there’s a lot to do before and after the race. Then of course there are the bands - 14 in all - one every mile along the course plus one at the finish to keep you pumped up.

But there’s another reason why FitPlanet likes the RNRSJ: its strong environmental ethic. In fact, it’s one of 30 races profiled on the Runner’s World GreenTeam website. The list includes the Austin, Des Moines, Portland, San Francisco and St. Louis marathons, among other races. All are doing at least a few things to be more environmentally responsible. RNRSJ’s a standout because it’s doing more than just a few things.

The list of RNRSJ’s green initiatives includes a healthy dose of the three R’s:
• Reduce
o All participants are provided with information encouraging them to use public transportation.
o The expo, start, finish and concert site are within one mile of each other so there’s no need for a car.
o All early confirmation packets are emailed, saving 15,000 packets from being printed.
• Reuse
o All extra food is donated to a local food bank.
o Soles4Souls collects “gently” used shoes at the expo and finish line and donates them to those in need.
• Recycle
o Plastic and cardboard are recycled at the finish line.
o All plastic bottles used on-course at the aid stations are recycled.

The driving force behind RNRSJ’s green efforts is Elizabeth O’Brien, the race’s general manager. O’Brien is a seven-year veteran of San Diego-based Elite Racing, now part of the Competitor Group, and has been managing the San Jose race since it was launched three years ago. Each year she adds a few more green practices.

“I was born to a flower child,” said O’Brien. “I’ve been a vegetarian my whole life and I’ve always been very environmentally conscious.”

A passion for the cause is essential. With 12,000-plus participants expected to show up on October 5, O’Brien works 60-hour weeks and wears many hats. There are the permits to secure, the planning meetings to attend, the marketing campaign to organize, and all the back and forth with the bands, sponsors, vendors, and athletes.

With limited time on her hands, O’Brien tries to select sponsors and suppliers that can reinforce the environmental message. For instance, RNRSJ is partnering with Aquafina this year for its bottled water. The Pepsico subsidiary is providing giant recycling bins that it will place around the finish line.

While plastic water bottles are not exactly green, all Aquafina bottles will be recycled, as will the sports drink bottles supplied by Cytomax. Race volunteers bag the bottles at the seven aid stations and at the start and finish of the race. The City of San Jose, in coordination with the race’s recycler, picks up the bottles and other recyclables such as cardboard, metal, and glass, and hauls them to the local recycling facility. Last year, the race recycled over 26,000 plastic bottles, according to O’Brien.

Another eco-friendly race partner is PickupPal. The Montreal-based company provides registered athletes with a convenient online tool for arranging carpools. The PickupPal link will be on the RNRSJ website by the end of August.

Ridesharing is just one way that O’Brien is looking to reduce the race’s carbon footprint. The race website encourages the 50% of participants who live in the Bay Area to use public transportation to get to and from the race. The commuter rail CalTrans operates between San Francisco and San Jose and the local San Jose light rail trains stop at the race site. “On race day, every train is full to the gills,” said O’Brien.

Wish List

Of course, being environmentally responsible isn’t free, even though the investment pays dividends. “It’s easy to say we should really start instituting changes, but it does get expensive when you’re talking about large races,” she said.

One item on her wish list is to work with certified FSC-certified green printers, and use 100% recycled paper and biodegradable vegetable inks. “But it adds cost and we haven’t been able to go that route yet,” O’Brien said.

Still, the race has made major strides to reduce paper use. Three years ago, RNRSJ printed 1.5 million marketing brochures. This year that number has been cut in half and the size of the race brochure has been reduced from a 6-panel brochure to a postcard.

Also, most communication is now done online. About 90% of participants register online and early confirmations are sent by email. O’Brien is looking forward to the day when the race is 100% online.

And then there’s the race packet (AKA the “goodie” bag) that all athletes must pick up before the race. These bags include important stuff like race numbers, timing chips, and official race information, but they typically include a lot of marketing literature that many athletes throw away.

“We call them goodie bags but sometimes they are not so goodie,” said O’Brien. “This year we are making them more goodie.”

O’Brien has eliminated most of the paper from this year’s bags and instead provides sponsors with space on the race’s website to provide information for athletes. “We contemplated doing away with the goodie bags entirely until several companies stepped up with products instead of paper,” she said.

Products that will be in this year’s bags include a couple of food samples, a shoe insole, a bracelet, and a packet of shaving gel. The bags also include product coupons.

Even the bags themselves are more “goodie” this year - instead of the typical thin plastic that usually ends up in the trash, RNRSJ is using heavy-duty reusable plastic totes that can be reused as shopping bags.

Planning Ahead

O’Brien is always thinking ahead about how to make the next race more environmentally responsible. On her “To Do” list is green printing, composting, and finding a replacement for the non-recyclable aid-station cups.

Composting is just not a practical option at this time, said O’Brien. The next best thing that the race does is donate all extra food to Second Harvest, a local San Jose-based food bank.

The problem with aid-station paper cups is the polyethylene (PE) lining. Last year, the race used about 200,000 cups and they all ended up in landfill. That’s a problem because PE is petroleum based, does not biodegrade, and cannot be recycled. O’Brien is looking at alternatives such as compostable cups made from corn starch or sugarcane.

If you’re planning to run RNRSJ, drop FitPlanet an email at info@afitplanet.com after the race and tell us how you did and your impressions of how eco-friendly the race was.

And if you happen to run into Elizabeth O’Brien at the race please tell her “thank you.”

Today we are posting our first race Profile in Green : The Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon.

And tomorrow we’ll post our first individual Profile in Green : The amazing story of Tommy Neeson.

Do you have a candidate for a Profile in Green? Drop us an email at info@afitplanet.com

From inception, Sustainable Sports Foundation President Mark Liebert has made a commitment that both events will be environmentally responsible, with the goals of zero waste to landfill and carbon neutrality. The race will be powered by solar energy, waste will be recycled or composted, athletes with receive organic cotton race t-shirts, and Sustainable Sports Foundation will offset the carbon emissions from the travel of all participating athletes. FitPlanet will provide support in the planning and execution of these initiatives.

The Olympic distance triathlon takes place October 26 in San Rafael, California along the bay just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and the marathon (full, half, 10K) takes place April 19, 2009 in the same very scenic area.

Both events are donating ALL of their net proceeds to charity. This year’s Marin County Triathlon will benefit The Lupus Foundation, Girls on the Run and Jenny’s Light.

“We are excited to be working with FitPlanet to implement our environmental plans,” said Liebert. “FitPlanet brings the knowledge and depth of experience that will help make the Marin County Triathlon and Marin County Marathon environmental successes.”

“Sustainable Sports Foundation is setting the bar very high,” said FitPlanet’s Chief Green Officer Bruce Rayner. “From zero waste to carbon neutrality, these two races will be examples of what is possible and important examples for other race directors to learn from.”

About Sustainable Sports Foundation
Sustainable Sports Foundation was created by coffee and tea entrepreneur, avid triathlete and philanthropist Mark Liebert by blending together his passions for life.
As a way of giving back to the community, the Marin County Triathlon and the Marin County Marathon will be amazing annual events with all net proceeds going to charity.
At the forefront of each race will be to highlight the beauty of Marin County and how we need to take care of our world in a sustainable manner, and to keep it that way for many years to come.
For more information, please visit: www.marintriathlon.com

Sarah typically travels twice a month, often flying half-way round the world to compete. So travel is a big part of her job.

The problem is that air travel is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally. It contributes about 5% to the total global greenhouse gas emissions a year. And aviation is one of the fastest growing cause of global warming. According to one source, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by air travel doubled between 1990 and 2004. What’s more, some scientific studies have suggested that high-altitude emissions of greenhouse gases are the most harmful to the planet.

So not only do we have a problem but we’re heading in the wrong direction.

That’s why FitPlanet is stepping up and offsetting Sarah’s greenhouse gas emissions for an entire year. Not only will we be neutralizing the impact of her travels, but we hope to inform athletes like you about the importance of reducing your own carbon footprint and maybe encourage you to consider offsetting your own emissions.

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of confusion about what offsets are, how they work, and the value they produce. FitPlanet is the first to admit that offsets are not a cure for global warming. The only solution is a reduction on greenhouse gases and the adoption of wind, solar, ocean wave and water current power, geothermal, and other renewable energy sources that have a zero or low carbon footprint.

In the weeks ahead, we’ll explore the issue of offsets, calculate Sarah’s carbon footprint, and look at a variety of options for how she can offset her greenhouse gas emissions. We hope you’ll join us on the journey.

Stay Fit,

Bruce
bruce@afitplanet.com

I wish you all the best in your travelling and racing!

Sarah

Email Sarah at sarah@afitplanet.com

Bruce Rayner
Chief Green Officer
Athletes for a Fit Planet

7.1.08 Following a recent kids’ triathlon, my parents shared a scene with me that they witnessed involving one young girl and a water cup.

After being handed a drink at an aid station, the youthful racer continued the remainder of the race with her cup in hand, unwilling to toss her waste to the roadside. Upon crossing the finish line, she passed her cup to her mother. After the mom unceremoniously dumped the liquid onto the pavement, the young eco-friendly racer implored her mother to recycle her cup.

While it may not be practical for athletes to have quite this level of ecological zeal while racing (can you imagine carrying all of the waste you produce over the length of an Ironman?!), we all can take action to make less of an environmental impact in our racing, training, and daily lives.

Although I have always tried to apply my strong environmental ethic to my pursuit of sport, I recognize that some aspects of my triathlon life are incompatible with my desire to be green. As an athlete competitive on the ITU World Cup circuit, I have the privilege to travel all over the world to race. I’ve been able to race in places as far-flung as Qatar, South Africa, New Zealand, and China. While certainly an incredible opportunity, the carbon footprint of my travels can’t be neutralized by my emphasis on organic foods or in-town trips on my bike.

Luckily for me, Athletes for a Fit Planet is offsetting the carbon emissions from my travels. That doesn’t mean, however, that I can’t do more to reduce my impact on the earth on a daily basis. Using this blog, I hope to share my adventures (and misadventures, I’m sure!) in racing and training as an aspiring green athlete.

In the coming months, I look forward to sharing my perspective, observations, and experiences as a professional triathlete. Any and all comments and questions are welcome!

Stay tuned and happy racing!
Sarah
sarah@afitplanet.com

Twenty-six-year-old Groff (pictured at left) has been a professional triathlete for the past four years competing at the highest level of the sport. On June 8, she placed 7th in the elite women’s race at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships in Vancouver, Canada. Groff is a committed environmentalist, earning a BA in Environmental Studies (Conservation Biology) from Middlebury College VT in 2004.

“Because of Sarah’s passion for environmental issues and her status as a world-class athlete she is the ideal spokesperson for FitPlanet,” said Bruce Rayner, Chief Green Officer, Athletes for a Fit Planet. “We are thrilled to have Sarah onboard.”

“I’m excited to be working with FitPlanet,” said Groff. “This is more than a company, it’s a movement. Everyone can and should do their part, but it all starts with education and an understanding of our individual impact on the environment and how we can positively contribute to the bigger picture. Anyone can diagnose the problem; few can offer a solution. Fit Planet is different.”

FitPlanet will offset 100% of Groff’s carbon emissions produced by her busy training and racing travel schedule. Her ITU commitments include one or two races a month around the world in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

“I have to travel a lot and struggle with the carbon footprint I’m creating. I’m sure other athletes have similar qualms,” said Groff.

And launching in July, Groff with have her own webpage on the FitPlanet website that will include regular entries chronicling her racing and training as well as comments on her environmental activities and concerns. FitPlanet will keep track online of Groff’s travels and calculate the greenhouse gas emissions.

“We hope that Sarah’s blog and FitPlanet’s commitment to offsetting her carbon emissions will raise awareness within the athlete community about environmental issues and the importance of our collective responsibility to help curb global warming,” said Rayner.

About Sarah Groff
Sarah is a full time professional triathlete who is committed to the highest level of performance in International Olympic distance competition. In January 2005, after graduating from Middlebury College with a BA as a double major in Environmental Studies (Conservation Biology) and Studio Art, Sarah moved to Boulder, Colorado, to train with coach and former World Champion Siri Lindley. She is a member of the USA Triathlon National Team and has represented the U.S. at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Elite World Championships in 2006, 2007, and most recently in 2008, where she placed 7th in the elite women’s race on June 8. Currently Sarah is ranked 14th, in the 2008 ITU World Cup elite women rankings and ranked as the 2nd American.

Groff is already looking ahead to her post-competition career and plans to become an environmental lawyer. In the meantime, she is excited to work with Athletes for a Fit Planet and educate others about the impact our daily activities have on the global environment. Look for more exciting news from Sarah in the coming weeks and months.

For more information on Sarah Groff click here or contact her agent, Douglas Eldridge, DLE Sports Management Group, at 202- 580-9615 or douglas@dlesports.com.

About Sun Multisport Events
A leading Massachusetts-based event management company, Sun Multisport Events’ mission is to create high-quality and environmentally responsible multisport events. Sun Multisport Events produces the Patriot Triathlon, a half iron distance race now in its second year, and the Cranberry Country Triathlon, an Olympic distance race in its seventh year. In addition, Sun Multisport Events produces Multisport World Conference and Expo every March in the Boston area. Multisport World
is a unique event designed to jump start the New England multisport season and features the largest multisport expo of any event on the east coast with more than 80 participating sponsors. For more information contact Mark Walter, President, Sun Multisport Events at Info@SunMultisportEvents.com

US Collegiate Triathlon is the first and only national race series devoted exclusively to collegiate triathlon. It will launch the inaugural Collegiate Triathlon Series this coming academic year with six campus events scheduled in the fall and spring semesters. The Series debuts September 14 with a Sprint distance race on the campus of Penn State. In addition to Penn State, host universities for the 2008-2009 racing season include Michigan State, Florida State, Texas A&M, Boise State, and Stanford University. A

thletes for a Fit Planet will support all US Collegiate Triathlon races to ensure they are adopting environmentally responsible practices. These practices include reducing and recycling waste, reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring the race site is left as clean as, or cleaner than, before the race.

“Collegiate triathletes are attuned to environmental issues and are demanding that their events be environmentally responsible,” said US Collegiate Triathlon founder Bart Davis. “We support their commitment and embrace environmental responsibility as a core value of US Collegiate Triathlon. We look forward to working with Athletes for a Fit Planet to achieve this goal.”

“Athletes for a Fit Planet is excited to be working with US Collegiate Triathlon and the collegiate community they serve,” said Bruce Rayner, Athletes for a Fit Planet’s Chief Green Officer. “It’s this generation of triathletes that will set the environmental standards of the future not only for collegiate races but for all triathlons.”

Visit www.usctri.com for more information on US Collegiate Triathlon or contact Bart Davis, Race Promoter, at bart@usctri.com.