Sustainability

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with 11th Hour Racing in our ongoing mission to reduce the environmental impact of the Amica Newport Marathon. This collaboration will introduce new sustainable initiatives and amplify our existing efforts.

Our team takes great pride in leaving the Amica Newport Marathon venue and course in better shape than when we found it. With climate change’s effects becoming increasingly apparent, it is crucial to take proactive steps in minimizing our events environmental footprint.

11th Hour Racing, known for its commitment to ocean health and sustainability, aligns perfectly with our values and goals. Together, we aim to set new standards for eco-friendly racing events and inspire participants and spectators to join us in our sustainability journey.

We love our runners. And we are expecting a record 5,250 participants at this year’s Amica Newport Marathon. To help keep our beautiful island clean and welcoming, we kindly ask that you review and consider the initiatives below and be mindful of our community as you enjoy your run. Thank you!

Canned Water

One of the unavoidable challenges of large road races has always been the single-use plastic water bottles at the finish line. This year, we’re taking a big step forward.

Thanks to our partners at Polar Beverages, we’re replacing plastic bottles with canned water — a far more sustainable choice. Aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable, with nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced still in use today, compared to less than 10% of plastic bottles.

It’s a small change with a big impact — helping us keep our races (and our planet) running strong.

Three-Bin Sorting Stations:

We will have new waste sorting stations for trash, recycling, and compost to divert waste from entering the landfill. A designated volunteer group will assist in the sorting process.

Waste Measurement and Post-Race Report:

All waste will be weighed to better understand our actual waste footprint, providing valuable data for future improvements in waste reduction.

Compost Return:

Compostable food waste will be returned to our farm at Ragged Island Brewing in Portsmouth, RI at the end of the event. Compostable containers, such as the 70,000 cups used on race day will be sorted and composted with Remix Organics.

Course Clean-Up:

A dedicated road-cleanup crew will trail the entire race, ensuring we leave the course cleaner than we found it by picking up ALL visible waste.

Plastic-Free Athlete Shirts:

We are eliminating plastic wrapping from all 5,250 athlete shirts and offering shirts on an opt-in basis to reduce demand and material waste.

Sneaker Donation – Sneakers4Good

Have a pair of retired running or athletic shoes lying around the house? Bring them to bib pick-up and we’ll have a donation box for Sneakers4Good onsite. All shoes are donated and given a second life for those in need, and for each pair donated, Sneakers4Good donates $1 to our partner charities!

Bike Newport Partnership:

We are working with Bike Newport to encourage biking to the start/finish line at Easton’s Beach with bike racks onsite.

Carpooling and Walking:

We continue to encourage carpooling and walking to the start/finish to reduce traffic and emissions.

Dune Protection:

Volunteer groups and clear signage will protect the dunes at Easton’s Beach from spectators and runners. Please stick to designated paths and avoid walking through the dunes to reach the road.

Hydration Encouragement:

Runners are encouraged to bring and carry their own hydration and reusables.

Self-Water Filling Stations:

We are improving and enhancing our water filling stations for pre and post-race to reduce plastic bottle use.

The Amica Newport Marathon is proud to be recognized as a Certified Green Event by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.