No cups?

Posted on 12/15/2008 at 12:08:49 PM by David Patt

The Psycho 5k, in Kansas City KS, is a trail run that does not provide water in cups.  Runners are instructed to bring their own water bottles that can be filled at the aid station on the course (which means runners will have to stop running during the race).

While some may feel that is appropriate for a trail race, don't try it in a road race.  Water should be distributed in cups at the start and on the course.  Bottles of water - supplied by the race - can be offered at the finish line.

"No cup" advocates claim their policy is more environmentally appropriate.  Still, there are many ways to conduct greener events.  Making runners carry bottles with them in a race is not one of them.

P.S.  The Psycho 5k offers hot, homemade soup after the race.  That, and a rugged trail, give it a distinct marketing niche.

Posted in Course issues
2 Comments
Posted Feb 04, 2009 7:11 PM by Ben
Despite the No Cups Rule, the race filled to capacity and we had to turn potential entrants away. All of our races, from 5K to 100K have a No Cup rule. The next event, the Psycho Wyco Run Toto Run is full, also. So it doesn't seem to be a problem for the runners to adapt to. There are entire series' of trail races that have a no cup rule, and promote sustainability issues. I agree, roadrunners are different. In our April trail marathon (Free State), persons that are new to trailrunning are concerned when they don't see mile markers to mark every mile. The course takes 3 days to mark the one-loop course in the woods with over 2000 course markings, and mile markers are the last things on our mind. Happy trails, Ben Holmes Race Director, Co-founder Kansas City Trail Nerds
Posted Feb 07, 2009 5:13 PM by David Patt
Thanks, Ben. That issue came up in today's race director training and attendees felt trail runners were different than roadrunners - at least for now. We'll be watching how cups and other green issues are handled at other events.

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