“High Fives From a Polar Bear are Guaranteed” as Great Climate Race Participants Begin to Pick up their Bibs at Patagonia
Participants in the second annual Great Climate Race are flocking to Patagonia (1994 West 4th Ave.) in Kitsilano to pick up their bib today in preparation for the second annual Great Climate Race 10k and 2.5k run or walk event in Stanley Park. It’s a unique off-grid and zero waste event and even simple things like going to pick up your race bib are a being done a little bit differently.
You won’t see race participants leaving with a big bag of flyers and product samples. Instead participants receive a “virtual race bag” via email. Sponsors and partner groups focused on “sustainable, responsible and delightful products and services” offer discounts and opportunities to try more eco-friendly products.
“Patagonia is the perfect place to be doing our race bib pick up because this business really matches our values” said Great Climate Race co-founder Ben West.
Not only are volunteers on site joined by the “Solar Bear” mascot who promises to give high fives to local climate heroes but they will also be sharing the space with the organizers of Vancouver’s Zero Waste Market: Canada’s first market to offer 100% package-free goods and local, organic, and ethically sourced products. Race participants can do a little sustainable grocery shopping, check out some beautiful Patagonia gear, pick up their race bib and collect their high five on the way out.
“The Great Climate Race is a wonderful initiative; it’s a great way to spread the word about climate change and to raise money for local renewable energy projects. We’re all affected by climate change but are fully capable of making positive progress with our everyday actions” said Brianne Miller.
Funds raised by participants and donors in the Great Climate Race go towards local solar energy projects. Last year participants contributed to a series of projects in partnership with the City of Vancouver and Clean Energy Canada as part of the Solar Now initiative. This year participants are raising funds for renewable energy projects for the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and the OrcaLab, a research station transitioning to running off-grid.
“We are excited to be offering race participants an opportunity to do something good for their own health and good for the health of the planet at the same. The people of Vancouver are hungry for positive change,” said West.
Online registration for the Great Climate Race closed at midnight Thursday night, but registration is still possible at Patagonia Friday and Saturday and on site at the race Sunday morning in Stanley Park.
