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What happens to clothing dropped by

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is back at Twin Cities Marathon this year, furthering our goal to divert as many items as possible from landfills.

What happens to clothing dropped by runners at Twin Cities Marathon?

2019-09-30 11:37:00
Line art image with white text stating the 38th Annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend and stating that it is the "the most beautiful urban marathon in America."

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is back at Twin Cities Marathon this year, furthering our goal to divert as many items as possible from landfills.

Over 9,000 participants run the marathon yearly, traveling through Minneapolis and finishing at the state capitol building. When they arrive at the starting line in front of U.S. Bank stadium in the wee hours of the morning, runners are often layered with sweatpants, sweatshirts, hats, gloves and more to stay warm while they wait to get the green light to start running their 26.2 miles. Many of these items get dropped right in the street. When the crowds have passed and the streets clear out, our staff drives the racecourse, picking up items they have discarded as they get warm.

What is the environmental impact of the partnership between Twin Cities Marathon and GESMN? Last year, over 10,000 pounds of clothing were picked up, donated and diverted from landfills.

All donations picked up during the race are resold, recycled or salvaged, helping fund local workforce programs and moving four people into the workplace every day. 

Look for the Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota table at the Medtronic Family Event on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon for fun activities and to learn more about our mission!