The California International Marathon receives Gold level certification from the Council for Responsible Sport, will be honored by Breathe California and the Green Sports Alliance
The Sacramento Running Association (SRA) is earning accolades for the organization’s leadership in promoting environmental and social initiatives through its running events, gaining recognition both locally and nationwide. The most recent edition of the California International Marathon (CIM) has been certified as a gold-level sustainable event by the Council for Responsible Sport, and in recognition for the SRA’s efforts at CIM and across all events, will be honored by both Breathe California and the Green Sports Alliance.
“On behalf of the entire city of Sacramento, we would like to congratulate the California International Marathon on this great recognition. We commend the Sacramento Running Association for their commitment to environmental sustainability and for setting the standard for our city in putting on events that are a force for good in our community. The California International Marathon is an important civic amenity for Sacramento, and for it to be recognized nationally for its sustainability standards is a major source of pride for our community,” said Darrell Steinberg, Mayor of Sacramento.
The Council for Responsible Sport certifies events based on five major sections: Planning & Communications, Procurement, Resource Management, Access & Equity and Community Legacy. The 2017 CIM earned credits under every section, highlighted by their success in diverting over 75% of the event waste from the landfill, supporting local non-profits, like the American River Parkway Foundation and donating $40,000 to community non-profits for their volunteer efforts on race weekend.
“As an event producer and host, the Sacramento Running Association has proven its understanding that continual improvement towards greater sustainability is a fundamental aspect of overall planetary, societal and even community-level health. Along these lines, it uses its platform deliberately to raise funds and awareness for place-based causes, get local youth moving, minimize waste and energy use, and much more,” said Shelley Villalobos, Managing Director, Council for Responsible Sport.
“This is a thriving example of an organization doing well while doing good,” added Villalobos.
For their efforts at the CIM and across all SRA events in 2017, the Sacramento Running Association’s Sustainability Team has been nominated for the Clean Air Award by Breathe California Sacramento Region. The Clean Air Awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations leading the way towards a healthier and more sustainable Sacramento, while inspiring a community of environmental progress.
The SRA Sustainability Team will be honored alongside the other honorees at Breathe Fest, home of the 42nd Annual Clean Air Awards, on May 10 at the California Museum. Clean Air Award winners, dubbed “Clean Air Champions” will be announced at that time. Past winners include Phil Serna, Sac State, and the River Cats.
The Sacramento Running Association will also be honored at the 2018 Green Sports Alliance Summit in Atlanta on June 26 and be presented with the national Environmental Innovator of the Year Award. Past winners have included the LA Galaxy, LA Kings, 49ers & Levi’s Stadium, Seattle Mariners & Safeco Field, Houston Dynamo & Dash/BBVA Compass Stadium, CU-Boulder, the US Open Tennis Championship, and the Golden 1 Center.
The California International Marathon’s Gold level certification stands for two years and will be re-evaluated at the 37th California International Marathon on December 1, 2019.
The Sacramento Running Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding ways to encourage people of all ages and abilities to run. The SRA is committed to developing new, quality running events that appeal to a broad variety of runners.
Other SRA events include the recently completed SACTOWN Run, Gold Country Half on June 10, Capital Cross Challenge on September 29, Run the Parkway on November 4, the 36th annual California International Marathon on December 2, and Super Sunday Run in February.