Newport Rhode Races Join Forces with Epic Renewal to Minimize Landfill Waste

The two organizations are hosting a zero-waste event to encourage participants to maintain a physically and ecologically healthy lifestyle.

April 7, 2023

Shaliyah Dixon,

Photo courtesy of Susan Rancourt.

On April 15, take in the views of the daffodils with Newport Rhode Races during a beautiful spring run while supporting a good cause as the race company teams up with Epic Renewal in efforts of becoming a sustainable zero-waste event. The marathon begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by the half marathon at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m. at Easton’s Beach. As the annual Newport Daffodil Days Festival is taking place around this time, the race courses will pass along several of the 1.2 million-plus blooming daffodils.

Susan Rancourt and Karen Zyons founded Rhode Races in October 2015 with the mission to promote running, a healthy lifestyle and to be a good partner to the communities where they run. Through fundraising, environmental awareness and goal achievement, the women-owned organization is creating an impact and growing the running community in Rhode Island and beyond.

“Rhode Races aims to be responsible stewards of the communities we hold events in. Alongside community and charitable partnerships, sustainability has been a key focus of ours from the beginning,” says Rhode Races co-founder Susan Rancourt. “With the help of Epic Renewal’s experts, we are thrilled to take this progressive step towards ensuring future generations of runners can continue to explore our amazing planet.”

Epic Renewal, a community-scale composting organization, aims to keep food waste out of landfills while using it to support equitable and resilient food systems and build healthy soils. With this zero-waste event, Epic Renewal has the goal to minimize if not completely get rid of landfill waste. Throughout race day, there will be zero-waste stations and onsite composting for all participants. Rhode Races also hopes to encourage others on the path to becoming more sustainable and waste-free.

After the run, participants have the opportunity to get T-shirts, finisher medals and photos. Food, drinks and complimentary beer (for those twenty-one and older) will be provided, along with a recovery zone, vendors, music, an award ceremony and more. Grab your favorite pair of running shoes and sign up online. $20–$110. Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd., Newport, rhoderaces.com, epicrenewal.org