June 19, 2010 - Alaska’s biggest and best marathon and half marathon

Since 1974, runners from all over the world have traveled to Anchorage, Alaska to participate in one of the most scenic and enjoyable marathons in the U.S., the Mayor’s Marathon & Half-Marathon. You’re invited to join the nearly 4,000 runners & walkers as they wind through Anchorage’s award-winning trail system during Alaska’s summer solstice. The course offers scenic vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities as it travels from the foothills of the Chugach Mountains to the steely waters of Cook Inlet.

	Marathon ’stays green’ in 2010

ANCHORAGE (December 11, 2009) - For three and a half decades, the Mayor’s Marathon & Half-Marathon has promoted healthy bodies, and now the race is doing its part to promote a healthy planet as well. In conjunction with the University of Alaska Anchorage’s sustainability efforts, race organizers on Thursday announced the continuation of several changes that cuts waste and helps the event be more earth-friendly. This year’s Mayor’s Marathon & Half-Marathon, presented by ConocoPhillips, is set for Saturday, June 19. “After administering events such as this for 20 years, you understand that while they are all for a good cause, there is no doubt they have an impact on our environment,” said race director Michael Friess. “With the emerging alternatives in terms of sustainable products and online communication, it only makes sense to implement these kinds of changes immediately.” Friess said the biggest changes last year was the conversion to bio-degradable cups – 84,000 of them – and trash bags, along with the elimination of printed materials in favor of online info and registration. Some of the other efforts include: • the elimination of balloons, which will be replaced by re-usable decorations • recycling containers at aid stations and the finish line • event posters printed on 100 percent recycled paper • encouraging the public, with the help of the Municipality of Anchorage and People Mover, to make use of free bus service to and from race sites • the addition of an educational booth for the UAA Sustainability Office at the June 17-18 Marathon Expo at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel “Our assistant race director, Mandy Kaempf, really took on this project and moved it forward, along with the help of the sustainability office and the folks at Green Alaska Solutions,” Friess added. “Because of the hard work of a few people, the racing experience for our thousands of participants will be positively enhanced, while minimizing the impact on Alaska.” Race registration is ongoing at MayorsMarathon.com, while bib pick-up is scheduled for the expo June 17-18.