2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Achieves Evergreen Certification for Sustainability Excellence

TORONTO, ON (March 5, 2025) – The 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon has officially been awarded Evergreen Certification by the Council for Responsible Sport for the second time, reflecting the event’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and its leadership in sustainable race management. This milestone places Canada’s largest marathon in the same sustainability category as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which is widely recognized for its environmental certifications and green initiatives.

As part of the event’s growing list of environmental initiatives, the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon has achieved zero waste status, with over 90% of event-related waste diverted from landfill. To achieve this goal, race organizers ensured waste reduction and diversion measures were in place through all stages of race planning and implementation, including sending almost 4,000 kg of organic waste to a commercial composting facility to ensure its proper disposal. Additionally, nearly 2,000 kg of discarded clothing was donated to local charities, while 3,769 kg of leftover food was redirected to local food programs to help address local food insecurity. The marathon also transformed 150 kg of heat sheets into a park bench through their partnership with Green Event Ninjas and Greenwell Plastics. The bench will be donated to a local community space for use by the public.

"Canada Running Series is dedicated to putting on premier running events that leave a meaningful impact beyond race day, and our hope is that with this Evergreen Certification, the marathon can set a benchmark for responsible event management while demonstrating that large-scale races can be both high-performance and low-impact,” said Charlotte Brookes, Race Director of Canada Running Series.

Environmentally conscious decisions are carefully considered through all facets of the event, from selecting sustainable venues, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place to host the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo, down to the implementation of policies banning all single-use plastic water bottles. The event sourced local produce for the 5K race, such as apples from an Ontario-based farm in Newcastle, to provide participants with fresh, locally grown food post-race. A plogging event was also held along the Martin Goodman Trail ahead of the marathon in partnership with Trans Canada Trail, directly combining running with environmental stewardship to create lasting impacts beyond the race itself.

The marathon’s 2024 edition marked the introduction of the Green Bib Program, allowing participants to forgo receiving a race shirt and medal in favor of a donation to sustainability focused charities. In its inaugural year, 6.7% of participants opted in, raising over $20,000 for Trees for Life and Trans Canada Trail through the Green Bib Program, and contributing to the $72,000 raised across all Canada Running Series races in 2024. “Sustainability has always been a major focus for TCS, and we are proud to work with Canada Running Series to implement innovative solutions to create a greener event,” said Soumen Roy, Executive Director and Country Head, TCS Canada. “When we became the title sponsor of the event, we pledged 32,000 person-hours to set a new standard for environmentally responsible racing. It has been incredible to witness how much the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon has been able to accomplish on this front.”

“Sustainability is just one way we aim to show the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon’s broader commitment to positive community impact, and we are proud to lead the way in environmental responsibility while also championing inclusivity and engagement in sport,” continued Brookes. “The Women’s Training Program and Women’s Panel continue to promote gender equity in the sport, and our Athletes With Disabilities (AWD) Program works toward accessibility for all. We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference for both runners and the city we call home.”

As the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to balancing elite competition with environmental and social responsibility. With the 2024 Evergreen Certification now secured, race organizers look ahead to further innovations that will enhance sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement in the years to come. This year's event weekend will take place October 18-19, 2025.

About the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s premier running event and the grand finale of the Canada Running Series (CRS). It celebrated its 35th edition in 2024. Since 2017, the race has served as the Athletics Canada national marathon championship race and has doubled as the Olympic trials. Using innovation and organization as guiding principles, Canada Running Series stages great experiences for runners of all levels, from Canadian Olympians to recreational and charity participants. With a mission of “building community through the sport of running,” CRS is committed to making sport part of sustainable communities and the citybuilding process.

To learn more about the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.

About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the world’s largest businesses in their transformation journeys for over 65 years. Its consulting-led, cognitive powered, portfolio of business, technology and engineering services and solutions is delivered through its unique Location Independent Agile™ delivery model, recognized as a benchmark of excellence in software development.

As part of the Tata group, India’s largest multinational business group, TCS has over 607,000 of the world’s best-trained consultants in 55 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $29 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and is listed on the BSE and NSE in India. TCS’ proactive stance on climate change and award-winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the mSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. For more information, visit www.tcs.com

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Receives Gold Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport

CHICAGO – The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle and the Council for Responsible Sport announced today that the event has once again been certified at the Gold level. The certification, based on an objective and independent verification process conducted by the Council, recognizes the event’s commitment to environmentally and socially responsible practices. The Shamrock Shuffle first received certification in 2016.

“Our team is excited to receive Gold Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport,” said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. “Our continued commitment to environmentally and socially responsible practices would not be possible without the support of everyone from our participants to our partners. We share this recognition with them, and we look forward to continuing the work to make the Shamrock Shuffle a more sustainable event.”

“We are proud to recognize the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle for its strong commitment to sustainability in the events industry,” said Rico Tesio, the board president of The Council for Responsible Sport. “This event sets a powerful example of how large-scale races can prioritize environmental responsibility while creating an exceptional experience for participants and the community.”

Certification is achieved by complying with standards across five categories: planning and communications, procurement, access and equity, resource management and community legacy.

Highlights from the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle’s sustainability initiatives include:

●       Waste Stream Education: Green Teams are stationed at Zero Waste Stations throughout Grant Park to educate participants on event waste streams (recycle, compost and landfill). Volunteer teams collect items, working with participants to identify the proper disposal method. The education process encourages thoughtful disposal methods in the future and supports the event’s goal of diverting waste from the landfill.

●       Composting Organic Waste: Compostable materials like food scraps and hydration cups are collected by the event and taken to The Urban Canopy, a local compost service. The organic waste from the event will break down into finished compost, a nutrient-rich soil amendment that is donated to Chicago area community gardens.

●       Sustainable Sourcing: Event participant shirts are made from 100% recycled polyester. In addition to reducing waste, recycled polyester reduces carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to virgin polyester, and helps Nike divert an average of 1 billion plastic bottles annually from landfills and waterways. Learn more about Nike’s Move to Zero journey towards zero carbon and zero waste, including how they are working to design product with sustainability in mind and help protect the future of where we live and play.

The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is part of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series. The commitment to environmental and social responsibility is a key aspect of each event, with each race having received recognition from the Council for Responsible Sport. To learn more about each event’s commitment visit: shamrockshuffle.com, chicago13point1.com and chicagomarathon.com.

About the Council for Responsible Sport
The Council for Responsible Sport is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a vision of a world where responsibly produced sports and events are the norm. Since 2007, the Council has helped event organizers measure, manage, and verify their events' social and environmental impacts. The Council provides independent verification and certification for events, ensuring they meet high standards of environmental, social, and economic responsibility. Hundreds of certified events are among the world’s leading examples of responsible sport. In partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the Council has digitized its certification process with the ReScore App, a platform that simplifies event reporting and enhances sustainability tracking. councilforresponsiblesport.org

About the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

Long recognized as an annual rite of spring, a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and the kickoff to the outdoor running season in Chicago, the 44th annual Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle treats participants to a scenic 8K run through downtown Chicago and a two-mile walk along Chicago’s lakefront. The 8K Run will kick off at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 2-Mile Walk at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Following the race participants can enjoy live music at the Post-Race Party in Grant Park. In advance of the event, the two-day Packet Pick-up will take place in Grant Park on Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22. In addition to attending Packet Pick-up, participants are encouraged to join The Mile on Saturday, March 22. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to shamrockshuffle.com.

Council for Responsible Sport Announces Updates to Version 5 Event Credit Standards and ReScore. Streamlined Process Aims to Enhance Efficiency and Clarity for Event Certifications

The Council for Responsible Sport (CRS) is pleased to announce the release of updates to the

Version 5 Event Credit Standards and the ReScore app powered by TCS. These updates are

designed to streamline the overall certification process. These changes, driven by feedback

from event organizers and industry experts, reflect the Council's ongoing commitment to

ensuring that sport events can be held in a more sustainable, socially responsible, and efficient

manner.

The updates to Version 5 simplify the process of certifying events by offering straightforward

guidance on documentation requirements and aligning standards more closely with industry

best practices. These improvements aim to make the certification process more accessible

while maintaining the rigorous criteria that ensure meaningful and measurable impacts in

sustainability, equity, and community engagement.

Key updates to Version 5 Event Credit Standards and ReScore include:

● Simplified Documentation: Event organizers will now benefit from a focused set of

documentation requirements, allowing them to allocate more resources toward

implementing sustainable practices.

● Enhanced Guidance: The Council has introduced clear, step-by-step instructions for

each credit, making it easier for all stakeholders to understand and meet the

requirements.

● Color-Coding System: A new color-coding system has been implemented to help quickly

identify the certification stage for the reporter, verifier, and Council, making the process more

efficient and intuitive.

● Updated GHG Calculator: A refreshed GHG calculator is now available in the resources

tab, offering enhanced support for calculating greenhouse gas emissions.

A special thank you goes out to the dedicated professionals who contributed to vetting and

refining these updates. The Council extends its gratitude to the event organizers, sustainability

experts, sports industry stakeholders, and TCS developers of ReScore, who all provided

invaluable feedback throughout this process. Their expertise and commitment to sustainability

have been instrumental in shaping the future of responsible sport event certification.

"The updates to Version 5 of our Event Credit Standards represent an important step forward in

making the certification process more streamlined and accessible," said Michelle Sandquist of

the Council for Responsible Sport. "We are grateful to our community for their dedication and

feedback, which have allowed us to refine the standards without compromising the integrity of

the certification."

The updated Version 5 Event Credit Standards are now available on the Council for

Responsible Sport’s app, ReScore, powered by TCS.

New York Road Runners Becomes First Running Organization Certified by the Council for Responsible Sport’s Standard for Organizations

Nonprofit New York Road Runners Becomes First Running Organization Certified by the Council for Responsible Sport’s Standard for Organizations

New York Road Runners’ year-round sustainability efforts recognized for achievements toward Net Zero by 2040 goal

NYRR RUNCENTER to host Climate Week NYC Panel, Tuesday, September 24

New York, September 23, 2024 – Nonprofit New York Road Runners (NYRR) announced today it has become the first running organization certified by the Council for Responsible Sport’s Standard for Organizations for its year-round sustainability efforts as it aims to achieve Net Zero by 2040. Following a comprehensive assessment of its social and environmental initiatives and impact, the world’s leading sustainability certification program dedicated to sporting events and organizations acknowledged New York Road Runners with its gold-level certification as Climate Week NYC kicks off.

“We are consistently working to embed sustainability into all that we do as a nonprofit and are thrilled to receive the gold-level certification for our efforts by the Council for Responsible Sport,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO, New York Road Runners. “Becoming the first running organization to be certified for its year-round sustainability initiatives showcases that New York Road Runners is leading in the space as we set the pace for the running industry.”

New York Road Runners achieved the gold-level certification for its impact and leadership in the sustainability space, including its formal sustainability goals and targets that are aligned with the UNFCCC Sports for Climate initiative, its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas impacts through purchasing and sourcing changes for race shirts, medals and cups, and its diversity, equity, and social responsibility efforts that cater to underserved communities and populations. In addition to being the first running organization, New York Road Runners is the second sporting organization to receive an organizational level certification following the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Climate Week NYC – The Race for Sustainability in Sports. 

New York Road Runners will host The Race for Sustainability in Sports panel at the NYRR RUNCENTER on Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m. during climate week to highlight the intersectionality of sport and sustainability. The panel will be moderated by Tina Muir, climate activist, author, and former elite marathon runner, and will feature: Fiona Morgan, SailGP's Chief Purpose Officer; Annie Horn, Director, Social Responsibility & Sustainability at the NBA; and Jessica R. Murfree, PhD, sport ecologist, researcher, and professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

NYRR’s Year-Round Sustainability Efforts

New York Road Runners aim to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running, which includes doing its part to ensure future generations have access to clean air, green spaces, and a healthy world to run in. For nearly a decade New York Road Runners has centered sustainability initiatives, and in 2021 set a goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040. 

Throughout the year, the nonprofit works with vendors and city agency partners to be eco-friendly and divert waste, aiming to leave New York City’s streets and parks cleaner than it found them. New York Road Runners encourages all runners to practice sustainable behaviors year-round at its races, such as bringing their own clear reusable bags, taking public transportation when possible, utilizing reusable water bottles, air drying their clothing, donating their old shoes, and disposing of gel wrappers following their runs.  

In November, to highlight NYRR’s efforts, 250 runners will participate in the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on behalf of the first-ever NYRR Team for Climate run to showcase their commitment to protecting our environment. NYRR Team for Climate is a new entry method for NYRR’s three marquee races—the TCS New York City Marathon, United Airlines NYC Half, and RBC Brooklyn Half—in which runners will raise funds to help offset NYRR’s carbon emissions, including runner travel to the three races. New York Road Runners is partnering with Anew, a global climate solutions leader, to use funds raised to purchase carbon credits for two improved forest management projects.

The Council for Responsible Sport

The Council for Responsible Sport envisions a world in which responsibly produced sports events are the standard. Its mission is to provide objective, independent verification of event organizers’ social and environmental efforts to impact their communities positively. Since 2007, the Council has developed and continually updated the Event Certification standards adopted by more than 200 events globally. In 2021, the Council expanded its reach by introducing the Responsible Sport Standard for Organizations. 

Partnering with TCS, one of the world’s largest digital solutions integrators, the Council digitized its certification process recently by developing the ReScore App to make reporting easier and more efficient than ever. New York Road Runners acted as a beta tester for the TCS ReScore App. 

Organizations must demonstrate and evidence their actions, events, and properties are in alignment with the Responsible Sport Standards and certification level thresholds reached by earning points at the criteria level. The framework of the certification includes five pillars: planning and communications, procurement, resource management, access and equity, and community legacy. 

About New York Road Runners (NYRR) 

A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running – serving nearly a half a million New Yorkers annually through its free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier

community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.  

Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Receives Evergreen Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport

CHICAGO – The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 and Council for Responsible Sport announced today the event earned Evergreen Certification, a recognition reserved for sporting events that demonstrate the highest possible commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The Chicago 13.1 debuted in 2022 with the vision to reimagine what running can be in Chicago, offering a weekend of health-and wellness-based activities for participants and community members on Chicago’s West Side.

“The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 is a stellar example of responsible sport,” said Aileen McManamon, lead certifier for the Council for Responsible Sport. “The Reimagine the Run model of bringing the half marathon to a vibrant but overlooked community in the city is definitely a ‘best practice’ case study.”

“Our team is humbled to receive Evergreen Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport,” said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director of the Bank of America Chicago 13.1. “The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 started out as an idea and was brought to life with the support of community members and businesses on Chicago’s West Side. We share and celebrate this accomplishment with everyone who played a role in making this event possible.”

The goal to reimagine running in Chicago has been a critical factor in the development and production of the Bank of America Chicago 13.1. To stay true to this vision, event organizers worked with community members, non-profit organizations and business on Chicago’s West Side to co-create an event experience that is meaningful, beneficial and representative of the West Side. The result is a world-class half marathon that starts and finishes in Garfield Park, the oldest park on the West Side, with a 13.1-mile course traveling through Humboldt and Douglass Parks while traversing the neighborhoods that line the boulevards connecting all three parks. Held in conjunction with the half marathon is a free Race Day Festival for participants and community members featuring a mix of entertainment, health and wellness activities and community activations.

Other examples of the event’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility include:

• Support of local businesses: Runners and spectators are encouraged to support the local economy race weekend by visiting and shopping at local businesses. In addition to this, the event prioritized working with West Side businesses, organizations and artists that supported the production of the event and served as vendors and performers during the race weekend festivals.

• Composting organic waste: Diverting waste from the landfill is a priority of the event, with compostable materials like food scraps and hydration cups collected by volunteers and picked up by The Urban Canopy, a local compost service. The finished compost was donated to Kuumba Tre-Ahm Community Garden in Garfield Park, where it nourishes the garden beds as a nutrient rich soil amendment. The community garden, named after the sixth principle of Kwanzaa and the owner’s two grandsons, is part of the Garfield Park Garden Network, a resident-led effort to enhance local green spaces and engage more community members in the local food system.

• Charity Program: Participants raised more than $150,000 on behalf of nine charity partners that are creating a positive impact on Chicago’s West Side and throughout the city. Each non-profit partner has a focus on empowering youth, advancing health equity and supporting community development.

• Offset race weekend travel: In 2023, the Bank of America 13.1 partnered with Native to provide participants with a way to offset emissions from travel to the event. Native met exhaustive environmental standards to be recognized as a certified B Corporation. All proceeds supported Native’s “From Waste to Fuel: Improving Agriculture and Livelihoods in Mexico” project.

• Incorporating community input and feedback: Event organizers hosted community engagement meetings leading up to race weekend to hear feedback and ideas directly from West Side residents. These conversations inspired the launch of the 1.31-mile Wellness Walk and youth events during race weekend to offer activities for a wider range of ages and abilities.

The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 is part of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, kicking off with the Shamrock Shuffle and concluding with the Chicago Marathon. The commitment to environmental and social responsibility is a key aspect of each event, with each race having received recognition from the Council for Responsible Sport. To learn more about each event’s commitment visit: shamrockshuffle.com, chicago13point1.com and chicagomarathon.com.