Great Allegheny Passage Trail Relay Presented By UPMC Health Plan On Oct. 11-12 Aims To Be First Carbon Neutral Trail Relay In U.S.

P3R-Pittsburgh Marathon has partnered with the Allegheny Trail Alliance and the PA Environmental Council to host the first carbon neutral trail relay event in the U.S. at this year’s Great Allegheny Passage Relay presented by UPMC Health Plan, scheduled for Oct. 11-12. 

“The GAP Relay showcases some of the best natural beauty in Pennsylvania and Maryland, and we want to do everything we can to reduce the event’s carbon footprint,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “P3R is committed to hosting zero-waste events, and we continue to look for creative ways to achieve our sustainability goals.” 

PEC worked with P3R and ATA to estimate carbon emissions from electricity use, transportation, and water use along the relay course. Using this estimate, P3R and PEC purchased carbon offsets through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, which will fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the carbon impact of the event. 

“The GAP Relay brings together so many of the things that PEC stands for-- including stewardship, watersheds, outdoor towns, and conservation – that we can’t help but support the event,” PEC President Davitt Woodwell said. “On top of that, we had a team in last year’s inaugural run and are fielding another this year.  Sponsoring also gives us the opportunity to share even more of our messages with participants and others, with a special focus on making the whole event carbon neutral. P3R and ATA deserve a lot of credit for their commitment to getting runners out on the trail in a sustainable and climate-friendly way.”

This year’s GAP Relay will test the grit of teams of 8, 6 or 4 runners by having them begin the relay in Cumberland, Maryland on October 11. 150 miles later, GAP Teams cross the finish line in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 12 before enjoying the post-race party at South Shore Riverfront Park. 

Each relay team member will receive a commemorative medal, shirt and swag bag. Proceeds from the race will help with the ongoing maintenance and promotion of the Great Allegheny Passage. 

To register and for all the details, visit the Great Allegheny Passage Relay website.