Building on years of eco-conscious practices such as fully digital registration and check-in, the Atlantic City Marathon Race Series took its next big step toward a greener racecourse experience this past weekend. They partnered with Hiccup, a company on a mission to eliminate single-use cup waste at endurance events. The collaboration debuted at the Bungalow Beach Boardwalk 5 Miler on Saturday, June 7, 2025, marking a new era for races on the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Instead of the traditional disposable water cups, runners encountered reusable Hiccup cups at two hydration stations along the 5-mile route. Runners were encouraged to drink and drop their cups in designated return bins, placed about 100 feet past each station to give participants a moment to hydrate before tossing. A final collection bin was also placed at the finish line, just past the brief sand sprint that concluded the race at Bungalow Beach.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve the runner experience while being mindful of our impact,” said Genie Sperling, Assistant Director and Marketing Director of the Atlantic City Marathon Race Series. “I had seen reusable cups at other events and heard chatter at race conferences, but it didn’t feel feasible, especially not with our full marathon’s 22 hydration stations. When Hiccup reached out with their rental model, it finally felt doable. This 5 Miler was the perfect opportunity to test it.”
The response from runners and spectators was overwhelmingly positive, setting the stage for a potential rollout at larger events in the series, including the Atlantic City Marathon this fall.
Participants embraced the change, running along the scenic Atlantic City Boardwalk with reusable hydration options, reducing environmental impact while enjoying a fast, flat course along the shore.
Top Overall Finishers
Male:
Christopher Mallard – Philadelphia, PA – 28:08
Michael Coulter – Ventnor, NJ – 29:24
Joseph Wigginton – Gloucester City, NJ – 32:35
Female:
Stephanie Vandenberg – Northfield, NJ – 33:17
Jessica Rosetti – Ocean City, NJ – 34:25
Bernadette Yanak – Cherry Hill, NJ – 34:58
Hiccup was founded by Kristina, a runner who saw firsthand the environmental toll of endurance events. After finishing the California International Marathon and a flight the following day, she was struck by how many cups she’d used in just 48 hours. That “hiccup” of realization sparked her mission: to provide a simple, scalable way to cut down on race-day waste.
With a beachside finish, live music, and post-race celebrations at the Ibiza-style Bungalow Beach Bar, the 2025 Bungalow Beach Boardwalk 5 Miler blended high energy with a low environmental footprint – something the Atlantic City running community hopes to keep building on. This event was made possible thanks to event sponsors Bungalow, Pabst Light, CRDA, Amerihealth, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Strive Physical Therapy, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and The Rothman Institute.
For more information on upcoming races or sustainability initiatives, visit www.acraceseries.com or follow @acraceseries on social media.
