2019 GAP Relay Presented by UPMC Health Plan Aims to be First Carbon Neutral Trail Relay in U.S.

PITTSBURGH (September 10, 2019) – P3R has partnered with the Allegheny Trail Alliance (ATA) and Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) to host the first carbon neutral trail relay event in the U.S. at this year’s Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) 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 Friday, October 11. 150 miles later, GAP Teams cross the finish line in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday, 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. For more information or to register, visit www.gaptrailrelay.org.

About P3R

P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to run with us. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R runs a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. Anyone and everyone is invited to #RUNwithP3R! Read more at: P3R.org

About the Allegheny Trail Alliance

Founded in 1995, ATA is a coalition of seven trail organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania and western Maryland that is charged with promoting and enhancing the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile multiple use rail-trail system between Cumberland, MD and Pittsburgh, PA and the 52-mile Montour Trail, to provide a connection to the Pittsburgh International Airport. Completed in 2013, The Passage is now connected to the 184.5 mile C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland and provides a non-motorized, nearly level trail system between Washington, DC and Pittsburgh, PA. For more information on the Great Allegheny Passage and the Allegheny Trail Alliance, visit www.gaptrail.org.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Luzerne, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College. For more information, visit www.pecpa.org.