Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R) is an organization that promotes and supports runners in Pittsburgh and is best known for organizing the annual DICK’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. P3R works diligently to host sustainable Marathons as a collaborative effort with environmental organizations to leave our city greener and stronger than ever.

P3R was awarded the “Zero Waste” Award by the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) for minimizing the amount of solid waste sent to landfills during the 2016 EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler, as they were able to divert 2.3 tons of material from being placed in landfills. They are proud to have received a 97% landfill diversion rate for the Marathon, which is significantly higher than most Marathons that are held across the country. With the help of PRC, they were able to provide collection containers throughout the Finish Line Area and Post-Race Party along with two full Zero Waste stations for the Medical Tent and Finish Line. P3R also took all of the compostable waste to a local farm to be composted. In addition to the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler, P3R improved their diversion rate for the 2016 DICK’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon to an impressive 92%.

“P3R is committed to making sure the city looks just as beautiful — or even more beautiful — after the race as it did before,” said P3R CEO Patrice Matamoros. “With more than 4,000 volunteers, 40,000 runners and up to 200,000 spectators each year, this is a challenge, but one that P3R is tackling with a comprehensive approach to ‘greening’ the race and promoting sustainability.”

To learn more about P3R and their events, click here.