Sustainability takes priority at the OUC Orlando Half Marathon. As we look ahead to the 50th running of the event this year, protecting our race courses and community spaces is an important part of how we approach sustainability.
The OUC Orlando Half Marathon is the first event in Florida to earn certification from the Council for Responsible Sport, the world’s leading sustainability certification program dedicated to supporting and celebrating responsible sporting events and organizations.
The event received Silver Level Certification in 2016 and 2022 and Gold Level Certification in 2018 and 2024. Looking ahead to this year’s race, the OUC Orlando Half Marathon will be evaluated for a fifth time. We are proud of our status as Florida’s Only Sustainable Race and look forward to another recertification.
How Runners Help Make an Impact
On race day, participants play an important role in our sustainability efforts, including:
- Using Waste Diversion Stations to properly sort trash, recycling, and compost
- Helping reduce landfill waste by disposing of food scraps in compost bins
- Supporting recycling efforts that turn soft film plastics into usable materials
Hydration is another area where our sustainability partnership with OUC makes a meaningful impact. By tapping directly into OUC hydrants along the course, we’re able to eliminate the need for single-use plastic gallon jugs. It’s a simple operational shift that significantly reduces plastic waste and supports a more efficient, lower-impact race day.
To reduce the amount of food waste ending up in landfills, we partner with O-Town Compost. Instead of post-race banana peels going into the trash, they become nutrient-rich compost that helps revitalize Orlando’s soil.
We also collect soft film plastics in partnership with Orange County Public Schools. Once 1,000 pounds are recycled, the material is transformed into a school bench for a local campus.
Track Shack Events is proud to be a member of Racing for Sustainability, a national effort helping race organizers make more responsible event choices.
Together, Track Shack Events and OUC believe sustainability matters at work, at play, and at home. By reducing waste, increasing recycling, and making thoughtful purchasing decisions, we can continue lowering the environmental footprint of the event.
For more information or to register, visit OrlandoHalfMarathon.com.