Mesa Marathon 2025: Making an Impact Through Sustainability and Community Support

The Mesa Marathon is more than just a race — it’s a powerful force for good. This annual event brings together 10,000 runners, volunteers, and community partners, all contributing to a shared mission of sustainability and service. Through dedicated efforts, the marathon has significantly reduced waste, supported local organizations, and demonstrated the impact of collective action.
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Sustainability Success

Diverted 4.4 tons from the landfill: 56% Waste Diversion

• 1,753 lbs Recycling → City of Mesa
• 402 lbs Compost → R.City Farm
• 4,918 lbs Food Rescue → Paz de Cristo
• 1,344 lbs Clothing → Vincent de Paul
• 1,542 lbs Other Donations → Vincent de Paul
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​Greening the Race

Sustainability is at the core of the Mesa Marathon. Thanks to the commitment of our Green Team and Brooksee, the event implemented a robust waste management system. This year, through effective recycling and composting, we diverted 4.3 tons of waste from the landfill! The GreenLight Solutions Green Team has collaborated with the marathon for the past four years, and we continue to increase our impact year after year!

• Compostable Waste: Food scraps and compostable materials were collected by R.City and sent to local composting facilities.
• Recyclables: Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and cardboard were sorted by the Green Team and recycled by City of Mesa Solid Waste Department.
• Waste Reduction: Participants were encouraged to use reusable water bottles and participate in cup-free hydration stations.

We’re proud to partner with organizations such as the City of Mesa Solid Waste Department and Waste Not to ensure our waste management efforts make a lasting difference.
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Supporting Our Community

Beyond sustainability, the Mesa Marathon continues to uplift the community through partnerships and donations. Our collaboration with organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul, R.City, and Paz de Cristo helps provide essential resources to those in need.

• Food Rescue: Surplus food from the event was donated to local shelters and food banks through St. Vincent de Paul and Paz de Cristo.
• Volunteer Support: A dozen volunteers gave their time and energy to ensure that every piece of recyclable and compostable material was sorted in their correct waste streams, guaranteeing their diversion.

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Recognizing Our Champions

This collective impact would not be possible without the dedication of our partners and volunteers. We extend our deepest gratitude to the following organizations and individuals  who made this year’s impact possible:
Thank You to Our Partners:

• Brooksee
• St. Vincent de Paul
• R.City
• City of Mesa Solid Waste Department
• Waste Not
• Paz de Cristo

Partners: Tyler Monson, Jim Diletosso, Christel Armstrong, James Boman, John Farley, Heather Long, Krystal Macdonald
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Green Team Staff & Volunteers: Felicia, Ashley, Aimee, Brandon, Joseph, Kyleigh, Caitlin, Isabella, Pamela, Matthew, Tynan, Brennan, Jillian, David, Donisha, Eduardo, Lianne, Meagan, Paul, Phillip, Chiara, Elias, Gemini, Gretchen, Jennifer, Michelle, Muhammad, Tre, and Ty

Looking Ahead

The success of the Mesa Marathon’s sustainability and community support efforts serves as a reminder that small actions can create lasting impact. As we look to future races, we remain committed to reducing our environmental footprint and continuing to uplift our neighbors in need. Together, we run not just for the finish line, but for a greener, brighter future. ​

Author: Clark is a Sustainability major at ASU with an affinity towards 
energy related procedures. Connect with Clark on LinkedIn.

He is exceedingly dedicated to getting his work done 
and very willing to volunteer for any of the 
volunteer shifts greenlight has.