Photo Courtesy of Kegn Moorcroft
Sedona, famous for its breathtaking red rock buttes and steep canyon walls, will be hosting its 15th Annual RunSedona Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K on February 1. Around 3,000 people are expected to attend and will get to experience the beautiful scenery by foot.
What we love most about this race is that they’ve been putting in the work to become a zero waste event. We chatted with Kegn Moorcroft, Director of Communications for the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, to tell us more.
Jessica: Races have an amazing community and energy, but they can unfortunately create a lot of unnecessary waste. What has RunSedona done to help reduce waste in such a stunning place?
Kegn: The event was an early adopter of the community’s Sustainability Initiative. By reducing single-use plastic, and moving to recyclable/compostable products, the event has reduced its footprint significantly. We are moving towards becoming a zero waste event by using Water Monster (portable water stations), and implementing a compost and recycling program.
Jessica: RunSedona has done a lot to give back to the community. Tell me about other charities you have worked with over the years.
Kegn: We’ve partnered with US Military Endurance Sports to promote endurance sports as part of a healthy lifestyle to keep active and veteran service members Fit for Duty and Fit for Life. We also partnered with a clean drinking water organization to help Arizona’s Native American reservations with water awareness. Many participants come to us with beautiful stories as to why they are running and we often partner with these runners to spread awareness. For example, in 2018, a half-marathon registrant, Laura King Edwards, ran in all 50 states to fight Batten disease.
Jessica: So how does RunSedona choose their charitable partners?
Kegn: We often hear about a worthy cause and run with it … pun intended. We are open to work with all types of charitable organizations, mainly ones that are working towards health and wellness, and are engaged in the quality of life in a community. Outdoor recreation is at the heart of Sedona, and the Sierra’s Club ongoing commitment to outdoor recreation opportunities, made this year’s partnership a no-brainer.
Photo Credit: Sedona Bureau of Tourism
Jessica: Sedona is often at the top of America’s Most Beautiful lists, which makes this race so exciting. Having been born and raised in Sedona, what is your favorite thing about living here?
Kegn: The small-town life! I love knowing my neighbors, seeing friends everywhere I go, and meeting happy visitors who are awe-struck by Sedona.
Jessica: And what’s your favorite thing about the race?
Kegn: My favorite part is the scenery. The red rocks, the twisted road, the hills, the dense pine and juniper forest, the random cactus and wildlife; it’s just magical. My second favorite part is the finish line. The course ends with a small hill and the sense of overwhelming accomplishment is evident with each participant. Some cry, some laugh, some keep running as if they don’t want the course to end.
Jessica: What piece of advice would you give someone that's not sure if they should RunSedona?
Kegn: As our tagline says -- "If the hills do not take your breath away, the SCENERY will!"
You can join Team Sierra’s half-marathon team and raise $1,000. Or you can join the 10K or 5K and raise $100. The funds raised go toward protecting our planet and beautiful places like Sedona, ensuring clean air and water, and transitioning cities to clean energy. Learn more on how to join our team here.
Kegn Moorcroft, Director of Communications for the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Grand Canyon University. Moorcroft has been with the Chamber since October 2011, and working with RunSedona’s social media all the while. Born and raised in Sedona, Arizona, Moorcroft adores her family, swimming, hiking, mountain climbing, and camping with her husband Eric.