The fifth annual marathon and half marathon set for Sunday has implemented green initiatives to help runners and environment.

Sharon Robb | Sports Columnist

December 4, 2008

The Marathon of the Palm Beaches is going green.

The fifth annual marathon and half marathon set for Sunday has implemented green initiatives to help runners and environment at the same time that West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel has made it her mission to make the city green.

The marathon's official vehicle sponsor, Foreign Affairs Auto of West Palm Beach, will be providing electric, zero emission Zenn cars and Vectrix two-wheel personal electric vehicles to serve as lead and support vehicles for the race.

The ZENN car has zero-emission, no-noise and is fully electric, guaranteeing that runners will not have to deal with fumes and distracting noise from a gas-powered vehicle.

The ZENN car uses a 110-volt outlet to recharge, has a range of up to 50 miles and has a top speed of 25 mph.

The two-wheel Vectrix also uses a standard 110-volt outlet, has a range up to 55 miles on a single charge and has a top speed of 62 mph.

Both vehicles are available at Foreign Affairs Auto located at 1681 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach.

"I applaud the Marathon of the Palm Beaches for exclusively utilizing zero-emission vehicles to lead this year's race," said Jonathan Ortiz, director of business development for Foreign Affairs.

"As a native of West Palm Beach, I'm excited to see the beginning of a progressive transition to a cleaner, eco-friendly city," Ortiz said.

Six electric cars were used for the U.S. Olympic women's marathon trials and Boston Marathon last April.

Along with the zero emission cars, the marathon has implemented several other "green" initiatives.

This year, the estimated 3,000 kids participating in the Ronald McDonald House Charities Kids Marathon Mile on Saturday will be wearing 100 percent recyclable and non-woven backpacks.

The marathon will also be working with the PBC Solid Waste Authority to recycle the Publix plastic gallon water containers along the 26.2 mile course and the Publix single serve water bottles at the finish line.

Publix, the event's presenting sponsor, is also donating 300 reusable "green" shopping bags for the Marathon Kick-Off Breakfast on Friday.