Track Shack’s OUC Orlando Half Marathon Recognized For Environmental Excellence

September 19, 2025

Orlando, FL. ( September 9, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — The 2024 OUC Orlando Half Marathon has proudly achieved Gold Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport, marking a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsible event production. This recognition highlights Track Shack Events’ dedication to creating a cleaner, healthier environment for runners, walkers, and future generations.

“OUC inspired us to advance our sustainability efforts and strive toward making the OUC Orlando Half Marathon the most responsibly produced race in Florida—and eventually the Southeast,” said Jon Hughes, Race Director and co-owner of Track Shack Events. “We believe this initiative sets our race apart for participants when selecting events. Our commitment is to foster healthy communities, promote wellness, and protect the environment.”

The certification was awarded following a rigorous third-party evaluation of the event’s performance across five key categories: Planning & Communications, Procurement, Resource Management, Community Legacy, and Access & Equity. Notable achievements from the 2024 event include:

• 1,038 lbs. of race day recyclables captured and recycled
• 1,558 plastic gallon jugs eliminated by serving the runners H₂OUC along the course
• 1,209 lbs. of food waste and cups composted
• 9.8 metric tons of carbon emissions offset
• Over 55% of food and beverages were sourced within 250 miles

The OUC Orlando Half Marathon is the first event in Florida to receive certification from the Council for Responsible Sport—the world’s leading sustainability certification program for sports events and organizations.
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This marks the fourth time the event has been evaluated by the Council, having previously earned Silver in 2016 and 2022, and Gold in 2018. Certification is valid for two years.

The beneficiary focus is on local youth health and fitness programs, with race proceeds benefiting the Track Shack Youth Foundation and the Florida Citrus Sports Foundation MVPs.

Track Shack extends its gratitude to its sponsors and partners for their continued support of sustainability efforts, including OUC – The Reliable One, the City of Orlando, O-Town Compost, and We Are Neutral.

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About the OUC Orlando Half Marathon

Forty-eight years running, the OUC Orlando Half Marathon has been one of the top half marathons in the southeast. The OUC Orlando Half Marathon has received Silver and Gold certifications by the Council for Responsible Sport.  It is the first event in Florida to earn any level certification by the Council, the world’s leading sustainability certification program dedicated to supporting, certifying, and celebrating responsible sports events and organizations. OrlandoHalfMarathon.com 

About OUC—The Reliable One

For more than a century, OUC—The Reliable One has provided exceptional value to its customers and community through the delivery of sustainable and reliable services and solutions. The utility provides electric, water, chilled water, lighting and solar services to more than 400,000 accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. As OUC prepares for the next century, it remains committed to its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while supporting its community with conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency resources. Visit www.ouc.com to learn more.

About the Track Shack Family of Companies

Track Shack of Orlando opened for business in 1977 as a small retail operation focused on selling running shoes and apparel. Owners Jon and Betsy Hughes were awarded Florida’s Retailer of the Year 2015 by the Florida Retail Federation. Jon and Betsy also own Track Shack Events, a sports marketing company that specializes in marketing, management, and production of active lifestyle events. The award-winning professional staff has earned Track Shack Events a reputation as one of America’s top sports marketing companies. Track Shack Events co-produced the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon in Orlando. The mission of Track Shack Events is that each event produced will benefit the entire community – runners and walkers, sponsors, and charities. Run to TrackShack.com.

Contact:

Natalie Casey
Vice President, Communications
Track Shack Events
natalie@trackshack.com
407-761-1023