ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 6, 2026) – The OUC Orlando Half Marathon continues to build on its commitment to sustainability as it prepares for its 50th running on Dec. 5. Track Shack Events is building on the event’s Gold Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport with new initiatives to reduce waste, expand composting and recycling, strengthen community partnerships while educating participants, staff and volunteers about sustainable practices.
The event is pursuing Gold recertification in 2026, continuing its 10-year commitment to responsible event production. This year’s efforts include working toward a transition to compostable cups, expanding waste diversion and recycling programs, using recycled materials for participant shirts and continuing partnerships that promote sustainability throughout Central Florida.
Longtime event sponsor OUC—The Reliable One also brings sustainability to life throughout the event to educate and inspire attendees. Water stations along the race route are supplied directly from local hydrants, reducing the need for thousands of individual plastic water bottles. Participants have also been given trees to plant in support of a healthier urban canopy, while event entertainment has been powered with clean energy supplied by the utility’s all-electric trucks.
“Sustainability is an ongoing effort, and it takes collaboration to make meaningful progress,” said Katelyn Presti, senior event manager for Track Shack Events and race director for the OUC Orlando Half Marathon. “Working with OUC and our sustainability partners, we’re continually looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of our events, from improving waste diversion and composting to making more responsible choices about the materials we use. Each step brings us closer to our goal of producing a more sustainable event.”
To help make the transition to compostable cups possible, Track Shack is working with Racing for Sustainability, an organization that helps races operate more sustainably, and pursuing grant funding through its sustainability support fund to help offset the higher cost of the cups. Green Paper Products will supply the cups, which O-Town Compost can process through its composting system.
“Our partnership with Track Shack Events reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and the communities we serve,” said Linda Ferrone, OUC’s Chief Customer and Marketing Officer. “Together, we work to showcase environmental stewardship throughout the race, from operational considerations to creative ways to engage attendees. As the event celebrates its 50th running, we are excited for its continued success and the positive impact it makes in the world.”
Track Shack’s other sustainability initiatives for the event include:
· Waste reduction and recycling: Trash, recycling and composting stations will help participants sort waste. Track Shack is also partnering with Orange County Public Schools Green Schools to collect and recycle soft-film plastics, with a goal of collecting 1,000 pounds to earn a recycled plastic bench to be donated to a local school in Track Shack’s name.
· Responsible race amenities: Participant race shirts are made with recycled polyester and printed locally using sustainable, phthalate-free inks. Leftover shirts, medals and awards will be donated to A Gift for Teaching, a local provider of free school supplies to teachers.
· Community engagement: Track Shack continues to participate in the OCPS Green School Judging Program and work with Keep Orlando Beautiful on community cleanups. The organization is also planning a plogging event that combines running with litter collection.
· Sustainability education and partnerships: Through its consulting relationship with Tina Muir of Racing for Sustainability, Track Shack is identifying additional ways to improve event practices and share sustainability information with runners and the broader community.
· OUC Tree Giveaway: Participants can take home a free tree, compliments of OUC — The Reliable One, and learn how small steps can make a lasting impact on our community and environment. The tree giveaway is Dec. 3-4 at the Expo and Bib Pick up presented by Brooks.
The Council for Responsible Sport evaluates events across five categories: planning and communications, procurement, resource management, community legacy, and access and equity. The OUC Orlando Half Marathon was the first event in Florida to earn certification from the council and has previously received both Silver and Gold recognition.
The 50th running of the OUC Orlando Half Marathon takes place Saturday, Dec. 5. Registration and course information are available at OrlandoHalfMarathon.com. Follow on social media at @OrlandoHalfMarathon on Instagram and on Facebook at ouchalfmarathonand5K.