Route 66 Marathon Organizers Plan To Minimize Its Environmental Impact

About 12,000 runners have registered for the Williams Route 66 Marathon and with that many people in the area, organizers said they've come up with a plan to leave a minimal impact on the environment this weekend. 

Their goal goes beyond recycling.

Marathon organizers said they're always looking for ways to improve the health of Tulsans and that's why they're encouraging people to donate shoes this weekend.

Anyone can stop by the Cox Business Center and drop off gently used running shoes Friday and Saturday until 6 p.m. 

The shoes will be taken to charities in the area. 

Organizers are also promoting recycling bottles and cans during the health and fitness expo.

During the actual races this weekend, after about a mile or so, runners might start to take off their first layer of clothes and keep running, but the clothes won't be left on the ground. 

"If they lose it, it's going to charity, and most people are gonna drop it anyway," said Kristen McCormick, Marathon Sustainability Director. "They don't expect to get it back. We wanted to make sure that clothing got a second life and didn't end up in the river or you know, just left in somebody's yard."

Leftover snacks for runners at the finish line will be donated to the community food bank. 

Any food waste will go to RNG Farms in North Tulsa and be composted or fed to animals.