The Colorado based company that makes the HydraPouch and the HydraPour is helping runners and races go green, one cup at a time.
Lightweight and squishy, the HydraPouch is a recyclable food grade silicone rubber cup that holds six ounces of water and allows a runner to drink on the run without spilling.
To refill it, all a runner does is give the HydraPouch a squeeze, and the top opens up like a plastic coin purse for a fast and easy top off.
The HydraPour is a spout system that race organizers can attach to their pre-existing water coolers at water stops, allowing a runner to quickly refill their HydraPouch, without wasting a paper cup.
Because water comes out of the HydraPour so quickly, a racer can refill their HydraPouch with one hand without stopping.
When the HydraPour and HydraPouch are used in combination at races, event organizers can drastically cut down on the use of paper cups. Considering a large event like the ING New York City Marathon uses about 2.2 million cups, the HydraPour and HydraPouch can make a huge difference.
Last summer, the Liberty Run in Denver was the first race to go completely cup free. Everyone who signed up for the event was given a HydraPouch, and every water stop was set up with multiple HydraPour stations.
The event was a huge success, and race organizers were able to cut down on about 75 percent of the waste usually associated with a race. They also needed fewer volunteers to man the water stops. The 2010 Liberty Run on July 4 will continue the cup free tradition.
The Colfax Marathon on May 16 isn't going entirely cup free, but they are promoting the system. The HydraPouch will be sold at the race expo, and HydraPour stations will be located at every water stop.
HydraPour will also be available at the Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day.
It's not practical for every race to go cup free. Some runners will never switch from paper cups, fearing that the process of refilling the HydraPouch will disrupt their rhythm or slow their race times. Others just don't like to carry anything while they run, even if it does have a clip.
The HydraPour and HydraPouch could be a good option for a number of other runners, however, and the system has the potential to make a large dent in the amount of trash produced at races.
Many Colorado specialty running stores sell the HydraPouch, including The Boulder Running Company, Fleet Feet Sports, SolePepper Sports, and Runners Roost.
It retails for $16.95 and can also be purchased online.
Check here for more info the Estes Park Marathon, and other events to go entirely cup free in 2010.
Video that shows how the HydraPour and HydraPouch work.
Comments
This looks really cool :)
Excellent idea. Hope this catches on for all road races.
Another great idea.
Mmmarvelous idea!
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