The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is racing for the planet

For the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, environmental responsibility is paramount to our mission of building communities through running. The planet is more than just important to us — it’s where we live, work, and play. As a testament to our dedication to organizing greener races, in 2022 we became the first race in Canada to achieve Evergreen Certification with the Council for Responsible Sport. In 2024 we are once again renewing that certification, as well as continuing our journey towards our goal to become a zero-waste event! 

But we’re not just taking the greener road behind the scenes. You’ll experience our green initiatives throughout your race on October 20th. Find out more about our sustainability initiatives below!

Sustainability Scorecard

We took the guesswork out of sustainability and updated our Sustainability Scorecard in the official race app to help you make race day decisions with the planet in mind. See how you measure up and use our helpful tips to make positive changes to your training and race day habits.

Visit our official race app below to try out the scorecard!

How we’re staying sustainable

Save the hard work for the race – we’ve got some great ways for every participant, spectator, and volunteer to help us achieve our sustainability goals.

Waste management: Our friends at Green Event Ninjas will be helping us with our zero-waste goal! You can help too by using onsite waste stations and putting waste in its proper place.

Consumption: We put our money where our medal is! This year’s medal is made from 100% certified recycled materials, so you can wear your medal with extra (sustainable) pride.

Donation Station: Bring your old running shoes or athletic gear to the race expo and we’ll donate it or recycle it. This helps us offset our race waste and gives you gear new life. Donation stations are available at the CRS Sustainability Booth

Other ways you can green your race day:

• Travel green on race day. Riding a bike or using public transit are the best ways to get to the Start Line. If driving is your only option, consider carpooling with your friends — one less car on the road! Bike valet?
• Bring a personal water bottle! Water refills will be available at every water station on-course, and at the Start and Finish Areas.
• Help us compost our cups! All our water and Nuun cups are compostable — help out by putting them in the trash bins after the water stations, or those marked “Organics” at the start/finish area.
• No one likes a litter bug! Please do not throw wrappers from gels or bars on the road. Hold on to your trash until you see a bin or keep it with you until you get to the waste stations in the Finish Area.
• No more plastic! We are single-use plastic water-bottle free – please leave your single-use plastics at home and consider bringing a reusable bottle for your race hydration.
• Donate your used gear – we’ll be accepting used running shoes and athletic gear at the race expo – just drop them off at the sustainability booth!

Fundraising for the Planet

We run for more than just a PB — we’re also running for the planet! In addition to the charities that we support through the Charity Challenge, we have also partnered with Trans Canada Trail and Trees for Life, two environmentally focused charities that are doing big things for Mother Earth.

Donate Here