The Philadelphia Marathon is grabbing tons of attention for offering up some prime 26.2 mile real estate for disheveled NYC should-have-been runners. But there’s more attention on the way for the Philadelphia Marathon’s sustainability efforts!

As I pointed out with the Broad Street run, large running events produce a TON of waste. Between runners shedding clothes, those ‘pit stop’ cups and bringing runners into the city is harsh on the carbon footprint. Philadelphia Marathon “Waste Watchers” is recruiting 300 volunteers to divert 75% of the event’s waste.

Philadelphia Marathon Sustainability Efforts

Apparently the Philadelphia Marathon & Mayor’s Office of Sustainability paid attention and set the ambitious green goal. With 85,000 runners (representing every state and 40+ countries), the chilly November run is trying to improve its sustainability efforts to qualify for the ReSport Silver Certification.

As Katherine Gajewski (Director for the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability) explained the eco-perfect pairing:

“Public events not only generate a large amount of waste, but they are also very visible opportunities through which we can educate and demonstrate our sustainability efforts. This partnership with the Philadelphia Marathon is an example of the broad set of organizations involved in implementing the Greenworks goals and vision, as well as the myriad opportunities we have to incorporate sustainability into our work as a City.”

Philadelphia Marathon Waste Watchers

Katherine & the Mayor’s office can’t do it alone – which is why they’re asking you to help as a Waste Watcher. Regardless of what the name sounds like it implies, you won’t be checking out the runner’s abs the entire time. (Although that could be an added benefit if the temperatures agree...) Instead, volunteers will help separate recycling, trash & compost into proper bins along the course and various water stops. (Hint: Make sure to cheer a little for those runners too – it brightens up the runner’s day!)

Bonus: You get a free sweatshirt too!

Click here to volunteer for either shift on Sunday, November 18th:

• Waste Watchers- Start/Finish Area: 6:30am-12pm
• Waste Watchers Cleanup/Breakdown: 1pm-4pm

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher