Mountain Runner Events
Recycling is not enough!
Leave no Trace of Race
How big is (y)our
Our company, Mountain Runner Events, has been on the go since 2011, quietly but persistently making our trail running, mtb and adventure racing events generate more joy and less waste.
There’s more to being environmentally astute than plonking a recycling bin at a race. Most often the ethical solutions to gratuitous waste problems involve a whole lot more thought, more effort and more manpower but we figure that a clear conscience and a clean environment is a just reward.
We’ve still got some things to work on, and encourage practical or innovative suggestions from our participants to get us all as close to being eco angels as possible.
Expect nothing less
At the Race Village
Since 2017 we have given every finisher a reusable water bottle and thanks to 32Gi electrolyte hydration, and before them, NUUN (2017 - 2022) we have supplied quality water table and post race refreshments from large buckets - to minimize packaging and waste
Reusable bungy cords. We redesigned all our event hardware so we don’t use plastic cable ties
Reusable signage boards
Quality kit bags for events that require a drop bag or overnight bag. We’ve recently sourced a local manufacturer that uses recycled plastic to make their material
Local manufacturers for our race garments
NO goody bags filled with advertising rubbish you don’t want or need!
Collection boxes for race bib safety pins which are donated to local charities who can make use of them
Catering
When catering for overnight events, we use proper cutlery and crockery and healthy, homemade or locally made fare. Nothing disposable unless its unavoidable
External caterers and vendors are requested to supply biodegradable cartons for any takeaway food they sell. No polystyrene or plastic. You can assist with this by bringing your own coffee cup for that pre-race necessity
On Route
Material tags for route marking which are collected and reused
(In certain areas these are in high demand and get relocated at inconvenient times, so we do, in these instances, use pieces of duct tape. Every piece is removed immediately after the event)No gratuitous plastic ‘danger tape’
Whole, fresh and seasonal food at water tables and tin or reusable plastic mugs
In 2022, after 6 years of use at water tables, some of our tin mugs didn’t hold water so well anymore!
We filled them with potting soil, planted some flowers and presented them to our podium winners instead of conventional medals.
While Hobbit 90km runners tackle their trail, Solly, our beloved bush chef, crafts wholesome deliciousness in the most unexpected places.
Expect hot, homemade soup, decadent dessert bites, fresh fruit, crispy salads. We hate to steal a line, but we think ‘‘Real food, made real good’’ suits us better :)
Since 2017 we’ve given away more than 25 000 reusable bottles to our event finishers.
That’s a LOT of plastic, yes. But we’re so happy to see them used continuously all around the country, preventing a WHOLE LOT more disposable bottles from ever being made.