Event Overview

BolderBoulder 10k Road Race Recycling Program

BolderBoulder 10k Road Race, Boulder, Colorado

University of Colorado – Boulder Recycling Services

The Dick's Sporting Goods BolderBOULDER 10k, a Running USA Founding Member, is the 2nd largest running race in the USA and the 6th largest in the world. The race, held each year since 1978, now attracts over 50,000 runners, walkers, and wheelchair racers, and draws professional racing teams from all over the world to compete for one of the largest non-marathon prize purses in road racing. The race starts at the north end of 30th Street in Boulder, winds through neighborhoods with live music and entertainment at every corner, and finishes in the University of Colorado's Folsom Field. More than 150,000 spectators watch the festivities from inside the stadium and along the course. Every year, the race makes donations to local charities that provide community action volunteers to help stage the race. Over the years, beneficiaries have included the Boulder Humane Society, Attention Homes, Younglife, Boulder Optimists, local schools, and church youth groups.

The 31st BolderBOULDER was held on Memorial Day, May 25, 2009. Aquafina supplied water to hydrate all finishers and teamed up with the University of Colorado-Boulder's Recycling Services to provide clean-up support in the finish area on campus throughout the day of the event. Under the direction of Aquafina, volunteers worked together to collect recyclable materials such as those generated from lunch packaging, plastic beverage containers, aluminum cans and corrugated cardboard disposed by vendors at the event site. To collect the recyclable material, Aquafina deployed 125 recycling bins made from 100% recycled plastic and metal, and engaged a staff of over 50 people.

"We were excited to be at this beautiful locale and help the UC-Boulder recycling team as they continue their impressive recycling program," said Andrea Seek of Aquafina. "Aquafina is committed to acting responsibly in everything we do, and doing our part to help maintain Boulder and the University's pristine surroundings."

"Last year, we collected over a ton of beverage containers recycled by hot and thirsty runners and walkers, and we expect to have exceeded that this year," said Jack DeBell, Director, University of Colorado-Boulder Recycling Services. "We are thrilled to have a committed partner such as Aquafina who share our goals in promoting a clean and sustainable environment."

Supporting events such as the BolderBOULDER 10K Road Race is a key objective of Aquafina's community action program which offers a range of resources to organizers of green community efforts. From mass participation events such as marathons and concerts, to shoreline clean-ups and habitat restorations, Aquafina supports organizations large and small as they create and sustain positive environmental action.

About University of Colorado - Boulder's Recycling Program

In 2008, the University of Colorado's Recycling Services collected almost five tons (9,900 pounds) of corrugated cardboard that was generated by the lunch packaging and by the vendors at the BolderBOULDER Expo. Additionally, runners and walkers who finished at Folsom Stadium recycled their beverage containers, resulting in more than one ton (2,165 pounds) of plastic and aluminum for recycling. Everyone's efforts added up by keeping more than 260 cubic yards of recyclables out of the landfill and putting valuable materials back into use again. It is estimated that past recycling efforts at Bolder BOULDER conserved the following natural resources: 119 forty-foot Douglas Fir Trees, 7.5 tons of air and water pollutants, 25,000 gallons of water and 3,200 gallons of gasoline.

For more information on this year's event, please visit:

www.bolderboulder.com

• Bolder Boulder graced with 'no-excuses weather' >
• Ethiopians take Bolder elite crowns >
• Daily Camera Photo Gallery >
• Daily Camera Along Course Photo Gallery
• Mendoza, Ripp win Bolder Boulder wheelchair races