Who Are We?
The Sustainable Sports Foundation addresses the need to promote local athletic events that encourage a healthy lifestyle and supports the values of sustainability and giving back to the community.
In just our fourth year, over one half million dollars has been raised through our events, mainly to help find a cure for blood related cancers in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Besides the tireless commitment from Team in Training participation, all net proceeds from the Marin County Marathon and Marin County Triathlon events have been, and will continue to be donated to other various important charities as well, namely the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund.
With the Marin County connection to the natural landscape and commitment to sustainability, the Sustainable Sports Foundation continues to foster events that are magnificently scenic, spectator friendly, gentle on the environment and for our community. In our effort to make the world a better place to live now, and for the future, we have implemented eco-initiatives to reduce the environmental impact for our events.
The goals are to have zero waste, to be carbon neutral and to donate all net proceeds to charity. Our inaugural triathlon was certified as an Evergreen event, first and highest level of certification awarded by the Council for Responsible Sport.
Triathlete Magazine has named us as the greenest race and one of the 100 Best Triathlons on Earth!
Participants are encouraged to bring old running shoes to be recycled and race clothing to be donated to needy organizations.
The events use power generated by solar energy, green portable toilets, reusable stainless steel water bottles, organic and locally sourced food and beverages, recycled materials for race shirts and medals and continue to seek out vendors whom share our passions.
Most importantly, the Sustainable Sports Foundation is run 100% by volunteers whom give their time to give back to this community.
We work with city, county and state officials, vendors, athletes, magazines, newspapers, radio and television stations, photographers, web designers, musicians, charities and many, many others to fuel our drive to create sustainable and memorable events.
Over 500 volunteers have helped with all aspects of our events so far.
Many volunteers sign up for more than one shift throughout the weekend and countless volunteers come back event after event to help make it a great experience for everyone involved.
Deb Mitchell is our Volunteer and Everything Else Coordinator, Nick Calder Swim and Bike Director, Craig Woods Run Director, Dr. Cheryl McBride Medical Director, Matt Atkins Website, Jaime Perez Green Team, Jennifer Weller Registration, Danny Phelan, Mark Kaplan, Denis Collins and Michael Macaluso Course Crew, Christian Hollingsworth Social Media, Hope Gelbach Team Leader, Ward Andrus Expo, Neil Fraser Training, Mitch Calder Team Ambassador and Chris Hollingsworth Production.
There are so many, many more.
The Sustainable Sports Foundation is ever-changing and growing in support.
As it grows, our effort to continue our mission will persevere.
Mark Liebert, Founder and Executive Director
