May 5th, 2009 Marin Half Marathon celebrates Earth Week
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Bruce in
Setting a high standard for environmental responsibility, the Sustainable Sports Foundation celebrated Earth Day on Sunday April 19 with the running of the inaugural Marin County Half Marathon, earthRUN 10K and Kids Races at McNear’s Beach Park, San Rafael, California.
The race brought out some local celebrities, including 2009 Half Marathon World Champion and 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathoner Magdalena Lewy-Boulet, and Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes. Professional triathletes Becky Lavelle and Kelly Couch won their divisions in the earthRUN 10K and Half Marathon, respectively. Newcomers Renaldo Cis and Salvador Garcia won the men’s races. Click here for full results.
Like the highly successful Marin County Triathlon , the Marin County Half implemented a number of eco-friendly practices including recycling and composting. The race used solar panels to power the event and encouraged runners to carpool to reduce the carbon footprint of the event. “It was all done with the intention of giving back to the earth” said Race Director Mark Liebert.
The Marin County Half Marathon donated and planted a native California Buckeye tree to celebrate the ceremonial Olympic Garden tree planting for all future Sustainable Sports Foundation events.
(R to L) 2009 Half Marathon World Champion and 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathoner Magdalena Lewy-Boulet, Race Director Mark Liebert and former Olympian and race announcer Rob Powers make the first digs. photo by Jerry Downs
