Producer of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series recognized for more than a decade of leadership in environmental stewardship, community investment and inclusive event design
CHICAGO, IL – Chicago Event Management (CEM), the endurance industry leader behind the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, has been awarded Gold Organization Certification by the Council for Responsible Sport (CRS), the world’s leading environmental, social and economic sustainability certification program for sports events and organizations. The recognition reflects CEM’s ongoing commitment to operating with purpose and embedding social and environmental responsibility across every aspect of its work.
Gold Organization Certification is awarded to organizations that achieve 75 percent or more of the total best practices outlined in the Council for Responsible Sport’s standards for responsible sport, spanning six areas of impact: planning and communications, procurement, resource management, access and equity, community legacy, and innovation and excellence.
CEM’s relationship with the Council for Responsible Sport dates back to 2010, when the Bank of America Chicago Marathon first received CRS certification, making it one of the earliest major endurance events in the country to pursue independent verification of its social and environmental practices. In the years since, CEM has steadily advanced its work, earning recognition across multiple events in the Chicago Distance Series portfolio, including the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 and the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle.
“This recognition is a reflection of the extraordinary people across our organization and events who have a shared belief that our races can be a force for good in the communities we run through,” said Carey Pinkowski, CEO of Chicago Event Management. “It is the result of more than a decade of hard work and dedication. Our team shows up every day committed to leading with purpose and accountability, and our participants, volunteers, vendors, local businesses and community stakeholders have been alongside us every step of the way. This honor belongs to everyone who has been part of this journey.”
The Council for Responsible Sport recognized CEM for the following accomplishments:
• Planning and Communications: CEM is building a foundation for social and environmental responsibility, establishing policies, goals and accountability that will continue to guide the organization and its event operations into the future. A cornerstone of this work was creating CEM’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement and Action Plan, ensuring equity and inclusion are woven into our culture, decision-making, and event experience.
• Procurement: Sustainable procurement practices are being advanced by prioritizing responsible purchasing, reducing unnecessary consumption and integrating environmental and social considerations into sourcing decisions.
• Resource Management: Operational emissions are being actively reduced through the introduction of battery storage systems, creative material reuse and close collaboration with event partners to minimize waste and environmental footprint.
• Access & Equity: A stronger commitment to inclusive, accessible events has taken shape by removing barriers to participation and expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities.
• Community Legacy: Lasting positive impacts are being generated for the communities where the events take place. Supporting local economies, collaborating with community partners, advancing charitable initiatives, and creating long-term social value beyond the events.
“Chicago Event Management exemplifies what it looks like when an organization commits to responsible practices not as a one-time effort, but as a fundamental part of how it operates,” said Michelle Sandquist, Certification Director for the Council for Responsible Sport. “The Gold Organization Certification reflects years of meaningful progress across social and environmental impact, and we are proud to recognize CEM’s leadership in the endurance industry.”
CEM joins a select group of organizations worldwide to achieve organizational-level certification from the Council for Responsible Sport, a distinction that recognizes sustained, institution-wide commitment rather than individual event performance. The full list of CRS-certified events and organizations is available at councilforresponsiblesport.org/certified-events.
ABOUT CHICAGO EVENT MANAGEMENT
Chicago Event Management (CEM) is a leader in the endurance industry, best known for its production of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Since its founding in 1996, CEM has worked closely with community partners and leaders in event production to create world-renowned events in the heart of Chicago. Its portfolio includes citywide road races and wellness events that emphasize safety, sustainability, and community impact. To learn more about Chicago Event Management, visit cemevent.com.
ABOUT THE COUNCIL FOR RESPONSIBLE SPORT
Since 2007, the Council for Responsible Sport has helped events and organizations measure, manage, and improve their social and environmental impacts. As a leading certification program for responsible sport and event production, the Council provides independent certification of responsible practices at both the event and organizational levels, from individual event commitments to sustainability and social responsibility embedded across organizational operations. Through this work, the Council helps events and organizations strengthen their practices and create lasting positive impact in their communities. The Council for Responsible Sport is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a vision of a world where responsibly produced events are the norm. Learn more at councilforresponsiblesport.org.