Every year, thousands of single-use plastic gel packets end up on roads, trails, and in our waterways. As a road race company that prioritizes sustainability, we have made wholesale changes to our operations in our efforts to leave our race courses in better shape than we found them and reduce our overall environmental impact. However, the largest offender in our waste reduction efforts remains single-use gel packets. Not only are they nearly impossible to recycle, but they are also strewn about roads, sticky and challenging to pick up, and hard to see during course clean-up efforts unless you are right on top of them.
While fueling our bodies is essential for endurance running, the waste left behind doesn’t have to be a part of the sport. Rhode Races & Events is proud to announce the launch of the Bring Your Own Gel (BYOG) initiative, which will promote “Refill Runners” on the race courses. Our goal is to reduce and eventually remove single-use gel packets from our races entirely by moving toward a more sustainable option: reusable fuel flasks and bulk gels.
Become a Refill Runner Ambassador!
We are looking for environmentally conscious runners to join us in this initiative. This program is open to any sustainability-minded runner who wants to make an environmental impact—whether you are running a fall Rhode Race or simply log miles in your local community. There is no requirement on the number of social media followers you have; helping shift the traditional gel practice mindset one runner at a time is our true goal.
How the Program Works
If selected as one of our 100 Refill Runners, you commit to training and racing for the next 2 months with a reusable gel flask and bulk gel, with a goal of sharing with us how it goes. By September 1st, you will receive everything you need for free to transition to a sustainable fueling routine for your fall training, including:
- The Gear: You will receive two free premium HydraPak 120 ml fuel flasks. These flasks are lightweight, packable, specifically engineered for gel consumption, and easy to fill, carry, and squeeze.
- The Fuel: You will receive custom compensation codes to order free clean, bulk maple energy gel delivered straight to your door, sourced from UnTapped. Bulk gel features a thinner viscosity, making it easier to pour into your flask and consume on the move. Even better, it comes in aluminum bottles which are infinitely recyclable and able to be recapped for future savings.
- The Mission: From September 1st through October 31st, you will test and train with your new setup. We ask that you share your story in the lead-up to, and including, your fall road races. You will showcase the ease of use, your personal reasons why this cause matters, how you plan to approach your fueling strategy while you run, and practical tips on how to carry and clean the flask. We want your honest feedback on the pros and cons of making the switch!
Ambassador Timeline
- August 15th – August 25th: Application window. (Please note applications are due by August 25th).
- September 1st – September 15th: Selected runners have their flasks and bulk gel coupons mailed out.
- September 1st – October 31st: Training period, story sharing, and waste-reduction advocacy.
- October 25th: Ocean State Rhode Races event day feature and celebration.
- Late October/Early November: Post-program feedback and collective impact reporting.
Recognizing the Community at Ocean State Rhode Races
For those Refill Runners who are participating in the Ocean State Rhode Races on October 25th, we want to make sure your efforts are recognized!
When you pick up your race packet, ask us for a custom “Refill Runner” eco-sticker to put on your bib. Our team will be giving you a shoutout at check-in to thank you for keeping our courses green. On race morning, we will be highlighting the initiative pre-race and shouting out our Refill Runners as you cross the finish line with your reusable flasks.
A Partnership for the Planet
This initiative is larger than any single race organization. It is a true collective effort to change a cultural mindset within the sport to ensure cleaner courses and less waste. The Refill Runners program is brought to you by Racing for Sustainability and powered by 11th Hour Racing, and therefore is at no cost to participants! We also want to thank our friends at UnTapped for supporting this initiative as a brand that leads in this space, making clean and sustainable products.
Are you ready to become an ambassador for the Earth, ditch the single-use packets, and lead the change, one mile at a time?
Apply to Become a Refill Runner!
Applications close on August 25th. If you do not have a Google account and are unable to access the form below, you can send an email to info@rhoderaces.us letting us know which fall races you are signed up for, why this initiative resonates with you, any social media accounts you have, how you plan on promoting these goals, and your shipping address.
Selected participants will be notified by September 1st.
