Culligan International to provide aluminum water bottles at Chicago running events

Culligan International has announced a multiyear partnership as a supporting sponsor of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series of running events. In its role as a partner, Chicago-based Culligan says it will provide filtered water in aluminum bottles at the finish line and refilling stations at the three events, which include the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, the Banke of America Chicago 13.1 and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Culligan says that along with the event series it will significantly reduce plastic pollution while ensuring runners stay hydrated. In 2024, the company claims it effectively offset the use of 150,000 plastic water bottles at the Chicago Marathon. This year, across the three races, Culligan and the Bank of America series will provide more than 200,000 aluminum bottles of water instead of plastic options.

“Culligan was founded in Chicago nearly 90 years ago, and as we continue improving water quality for people here and around the world, it’s meaningful to partner with events like those in the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series,” Culligan CEO Scott Clawson says. “This partnership showcases our mission in action. We’re bringing cleaner, high-quality water to the local, national and international athletes who race in Chicago. And doing so in a way that reduces reliance on single-use plastic.”

In addition to providing water in aluminum bottles at the finish line and hydration stations located throughout race routes, Culligan says it also will provide lightweight, collapsible silicone cups that are “easy to carry and fit seamlessly into pockets or running belts for use on race day and beyond.”

Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski says, “We’re excited to expand our partnership with Culligan as a supporting sponsor of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series. Sustainability has been a pillar of our events since 2010. Partnering with Culligan allows us to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and build on our sustainability initiatives by offering refillable, infinitely recyclable aluminum water bottles at all our event finish lines.”