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Chicago's First Annual Race to Stop Global Warming
Chicago's First Annual Race to Stop Global Warming
Published 06-03-03
Submitted by Green House Network
The first annual Chicago Race to Stop Global Warming will be held at 9:00 am on Sunday, September 21 in partnership with Chicago's Field Museum. The Field Museum, a world class natural history institution, will host the race in order to kick-off a special series of public programs called The Year of Biodiversity and Conservation (YBC). YBC is geared towards raising public awareness of crucial scientific issues and highlighting the work of the Museum's 81 Ph.D. scientists, including research on climate change. For more information on the Chicago race and The Field Museum's year of Biodiversity and Conservation, media may call 312-665-7100.
Starting and finishing at Avery Field which is adjacent to The Field Museum, Chicago's first annual Race to Stop Global Warming will include a 15K run, a 8K run, and a 5K run and fitness walk. For tomorrow's leaders, there will be a FREE 1k children's fun run, a toddler trot for two & under and a diaper dash. Costs: $20 for adults and $12 for 18 & under - $25 for adults and $17 for 18 & under on the day of the race. In addition, all participants will have an opportunity to receive two for one admission into The Field Museum.
About Race to Stop Global Warming
Race to Stop Global Warming (RTSGW) is an innovative response to the critically important challenge of increasing climate change education and awareness. RTSGW brings visibility to the issue of global warming while providing participants with the information and practical solutions for how they can reduce their impact on the planet.
"Bringing the 'Race to Stop Global Warming' to Illinois is an important step in creating public awareness, and it highlights the many contributions that Field Museum scientists have made to our understanding of biodiversity and conservation," said U.S. Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL) and Honorary Chair of the race. "It is also a fun activity that families can enjoy together."
The first Race to Stop Global Warming, held in Portland, Ore. on April 22nd, 2000, highlighted the 30th anniversary of Earth Day and began the race series’ theme of bringing attention to the need for a rapid transition to a clean energy future. The Race generated over 600 participants, attracted broad media attention, and catalyzed a broader vision: Developing RTSGW into a national series. With eight US cities scheduled for 2003, Green House Network's goal is to engage thousands of racers and their families in a 15 city series by 2010.
Sponsored by companies who are screened for their environmentally aware practices, such as Aveda, Nike, and Toyota, the Race to Stop Global Warming series brings the fitness, business, and environmental communities together in a public statement of support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing the climate. "We are proud to be a part of the National Race to Stop Global Warming Series. These eight events will play a crucial role in focusing America's attention on the critical issue of global warming and what individuals can do to stop it,” states Mary Tkach, Executive Director of Environmental Sustainability at Aveda.
To further the educational component of the RTSGW, Green House Network invites various nonprofit organizations to provide their expertise on the science and solutions of climate change. 2003 marks the first year that World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has partnered with Green House Network and offered their endorsement of an annual focus for a particular species or ecosystem that is being threatened by climate change. With the help of World Wildlife Fund, RTSGW will educate participants about the plight of the polar bear.
"WWF is racing to implement solutions to global warming while it's still possible to prevent disaster for polar bears and other wildlife," said Katherine Silverthorne, Director of WWF's US Climate Change Program. "The US public awareness and support generated by events like these is critical to putting in place solutions such as using clean, renewable energy and more energy efficient technologies and processes."
Green House Network is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization committed to building the grassroots movement to STOP global warming. The mission is to educate and unite the business community, government, students, civic organizations, community leaders, and citizens in the effort to stabilize the climate. In addition to the Race to Stop Global Warming series, Green House Network projects include a National Volunteer Speakers Network and Artists Respond to Global Warming.
