GOGREEN is the latest initiative from the organisers and sponsors of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. Working together on the concept, Old Mutual, the Two Oceans Marathon and Wildlands are asking runners to throw their race waste in specially made and strategically placed Throw Zones.
The plastic waste will then be up-cycled and transformed into ‘green desks’ for schools in the Western Cape. So not only will runners be helping to keep the route litter-free, they will also contribute to a very worthy cause. The aim is to make 500 desks from the race waste.
Each desk represents 40kg of waste removed from the waste stream. No water is used in the recycling process.
“Every year we get asked to help minimise the litter on the Old Mutual Two Oceans route,” says Karen Thomas, Old Mutual Head of Brand. “By creating the GOGREEN campaign, the Throw Zones and transforming the waste into school desks, we think we’ve found a very satisfying solution. As a title sponsor, we have a responsibility to keep the route of the world’s most beautiful marathon just that – beautiful – and I think GOGREEN will get us there, and also help educate runners and supporters on the need to throw their waste in bins and not on the ground.”
At this year’s Old Mutual Two Oceans event there will be several GOGREEN ambassadors, decked out in green running gear.
With extensive experience in half, full and ultra marathons on both trail and road, Kim Stephens is a perfect GOGREEN ambassador.
“I’ve run one Old Mutual Two Oceans Half Marathon and two Ultra Marathons, as well as three Comrades along with many other road marathons in the Western Cape.”
Stephens is a firm believer in ‘green’ living, and takes her green efforts into every sphere of her life.
“I think I am the extreme green ambassador here. I have worked hard for years to reduce reliance on single-use plastic in my home and life generally. I always carry my own water, even on ultra marathons. It is more than possible to wear a lightweight hydration pack and breeze through the water stations, without having to stop and take a sachet.
“In our home we are pretty good about recycling and reusing waste, using solar power for water heating, generally minimising water consumption and eating ethically,” she adds. “The GOGREEN concept is a great idea from Two Oceans and Old Mutual, and I’m proud to be an ambassador.”
Buyisiwe Makhoba Dlamini, the campaign driver for Wildlands, is involved with several Wildlands races, and an avid runner.
For Dlamini the GOGREEN campaign is the perfect way for her to continue her green efforts.
“I always try and support worthy and meaningful causes like the GOGREEN campaign. I never litter at races I take part in, and most of all, I’m always mindful of the environmental impact I make, no matter where I am,” she says. “Being a GOGREEN ambassador sits perfectly with my beliefs.”
Also participating in the Ultra Marathon as a GOGREEN ambassador is Cape Town journalist Amy Hopkins. It’s a cause she closely relates to and incorporates into her everyday life.
“I recycle,” she says. “I try to use stainless steel and glass instead of plastics. I walk, cycle and take public transport around the city. I participate in beach clean-ups, I walk to music festivals – last year I did the green 60km ‘Walking the Daisies’, where we walked from the city to the venue for the music festival. I try and GOGREEN wherever I can.”
Look out for the inspiring GOGREEN ambassadors at this year’s Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, and give them a hand if you can, especially if you spot some litter along the course. Every handful counts; everyone is an ambassador.
To make a difference and support the #GOGREEN initiative, go to https://morethanyourself.co.za
#GOGREEN and keep it clean at the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon https://t.co/pOONrxg9Dd @OldMutualSA #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/eNvqHey8oM
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 13, 2017