Track Shack Events received Silver certification by the Council for Responsible Sport for the 2022 OUC Orlando Half Marathon and Track Shack Lake Eola 5k. This official third-party verified certification was earned by successfully implementing 42 of the 61 total best practices according to the Version 4.2 Responsible Sport Standards offered by the Council for Responsible Sport (CRS). 

OUC Orlando Half Marathon is the first event in Florida to earn any level certification by CRS, the world’s leading sustainability certification program dedicated to supporting, certifying, and celebrating responsible sports events and organizations.

The event, which was assessed by CRS for the third time, has previously earned Silver level in 2016, and Gold in 2018. A verified certification is valid for two years. The OUC Orlando Half Marathon will be re-evaluated in December 2024.

“OUC challenged us to take the next step in sustainability and work toward OUC’s goal of making the OUC Orlando Half Marathon the most sustainable race in Florida and eventually the Southeast,” says Jon Hughes, Race Director and co-owner of Track Shack Events. “This seal will appeal to city residents and serve as a race differentiator for athletes when choosing events. After 47 years of producing events, we remain dedicated to creating healthy communities, healthy people, and a healthy environment.”

This recognition is a testament to OUC’s commitment to sponsoring world-class, elite athletic competitions responsibly, serving the local community, and leading by example. 

“Congratulations to Track Shack and the Orlando Half Marathon on their exceptional dedication and hard work, culminating in their well-deserved certification from the Council for Responsible Sport. Their unwavering commitment to sustainability inspires us all and deserves high praise. Well done on this remarkable achievement.” Rico Tesio, Verifier, CRS Board Member.

Achieving the Silver certification involved a collaborative effort with participants and local partners including OUC, We Are Neutral and Compost Orlando.

• By tapping water from OUC hydrants along the course eliminates plastic gallon jugs.

• The volunteer Sustainability Team diverted waste to recycling

• Compost Orlando and our Sustainability Team captured and composted event food waste. 

•  Participants helped spare carbon emissions from the atmosphere through the purchase of carbon offsets.

These tremendous local partnerships lay the groundwork to achieve a higher level of certification for the OUC Orlando Half Marathon going forward.

About the OUC Orlando Half Marathon 

One of the top road races in the Southeast, the OUC Orlando Half Marathon winds through scenic Downtown Orlando and finishes at beautiful Lake Eola. Bring the whole family for the Track Shack Lake Eola 5k and join over 4,000 participants for this Orlando tradition. Enjoy live music along the course, local beer and a lakeside party.  

Saturday, December 7, 2024
7:15 am: Half Marathon & 5k