RUNNING USA – Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon Awarded \“Green\“ Certification – Council for Responsible Sport recognizes event\’s environmental practices to reduce waste

QUANTICO, Va. – The Marine Corps Historic Half marathon has been certified as a sustainable event by the Council for Responsible Sport. In just its third year, the Historic Half marathon, held in Fredericksburg, VA, has achieved the certification-level rating for environmentally-conscious practices employed during the May 16, 2010 event.

"The Marine Corps Historic Half commitment to sustainability will serve as a motivator and example for races across the country," says Marisa McGilliard, Executive Director of the Council for Responsible Sport. "The achievements reached distinguish Historic Half staff, volunteers and the entire community to produce a more responsible race."

Events selected for certification must adhere to the principles adopted by the Council for Responsible Sport in the categories that include waste; climate; materials and equipment; community and outreach and health promotion.

The 2010 Marine Corps Historic Half, hosted by the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), introduced new environmental programs including disposable B-tag and D-tag timing technology, electronic finisher and volunteer certificates and the new digital IGiftbags that replaced traditional goodie bags. Also, the Historic Half conserved water, recycled plastics and running shoes, reduced overall waste products and utilized Fredericksburg's energy-efficient Hilton Garden Inn as the headquarters hotel.

"Historic Half marathon staff worked hand-in-hand with the Green and Clean Commission of Fredericksburg to pick up trash and water cups from Fredericksburg's streets while Athletes for a Fit Planet provided on-site support for environmental efforts," says Angela Huff, Historic Half Race Coordinator. "Together the attempts to put on a responsible event not only benefit the MCM but also the local community and the entire running industry."

While the Historic Half continues environmentally-conscious measures, the Certification will remain in effect for two years. In December 2009, the Marine Corps Marathon received the Silver-level certification from the Council for Responsible Sport, making it the largest event to receive the award.

For more information about the Marine Corps Historic Half marathon and other Marine Corps Marathon events link to www.marinemarathon.com.

The Marine Corps Historic Half will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2011. Registration for the 2011 Historic Half will open online December 15, 2010. Conveniently located on I-95 between Washington, DC and Richmond, the Marine Corps Historic Half boasts scenic riverside views, a charming Old Town and colonial and Civil War landmarks.

RUNNING USA