Sustainable Strides: 11th Hour Racing Joins Forces with Amica Newport Marathon

In a groundbreaking partnership, the nonprofit organization 11th Hour Racing has announced its role as the "sustainability sponsor" for the 15th annual Amica Newport Marathon. This strategic alliance aims to transform the popular road race into a model of environmental consciousness, setting a new standard for eco-friendly events.

Empowering Sustainable Practices at the Amica Newport Marathon

Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiatives

The collaboration between 11th Hour Racing and the Amica Newport Marathon will introduce a range of innovative waste management strategies. At the event, 11th Hour Racing will provide waste-sorting stations to divert landfill waste, with compostables processed at Ragged Island Brewing in Portsmouth. To further reduce waste, marathon shirts offered to participants will be optional and will come without plastic wrapping, and water stations will help limit plastic bottle use. After the event, organizers will meticulously measure and weigh all waste to assess the environmental footprint, with the goal of continuously reducing the impact in the years to come.

Protecting the Coastal Environment

The Amica Newport Marathon has faced challenges in the past regarding the impact on the local coastal environment. After the 2014 race, Newport officials asked the sponsor that year, Eident Sports Marketing of Providence, to pay for repairs to sand dunes damaged during the popular road race. The city sought more than $4,800 to restore a dune system that separates Memorial Boulevard from Easton's Beach, also known as First Beach. This year, the Amica marathon team is taking proactive measures to minimize the event's environmental footprint and leave the race venue and course in better condition than they found it.

Inspiring Sustainable Practices Beyond the Event

"At 11th Hour Racing, we are known for using sports as a platform for environmental change, and we hope to inspire both participants and organizers to continue these sustainable practices beyond race day," said Megan Campbell, communications manager for the organization. The partnership with 11th Hour Racing aims to boost the marathon's existing sustainability efforts and introduce new initiatives to set a higher standard for environmentally conscious events, demonstrating initiatives that can be replicated at any venue.

Securing a Sustainable Future for Rhode Island

With Rhode Island's central landfill expected to reach capacity by 2040, the collaboration between 11th Hour Racing and the Amica Newport Marathon is a crucial step in addressing the state's waste management challenges. "We continue to support local events to equip them with the tools and resources to achieve their sustainability goals," said Lorraine McKenna, sponsorship director at 11th Hour Racing. "Our goal is to inspire both participants and organizers to embrace environmentally friendly practices, not just during the event but in their daily lives, showing that small changes can lead to significant positive outcomes."The Amica Newport Marathon's partnership with 11th Hour Racing represents a significant stride towards a more sustainable future for the event and the local community. By implementing innovative waste reduction strategies, protecting the coastal environment, and inspiring sustainable practices beyond the race, this collaboration sets a new benchmark for environmentally conscious sporting events.