‘Now is a critical time for runners to take positive environmental action’
England Athletics and The Green Runners join forces to promote a new initiative to bring sustainability into running
From thinking about our carbon footprint to what we eat and the kit we wear, runners are being urged to put sustainability at the forefront of everything they do.
At a time when one-wear racing shoes are making headlines, England Athletics has vowed to embrace a more environmentally friendly future.
The development body for running clubs has joined forces with The Green Runners to create an array of useful tips and resources to promote and encourage sustainability.
The move is part of England Athletics’ Sustainability Strategy, launched last year, which recognises the fitness industry has an important role to play when it comes to social, environmental and economic sustainability.
It also follows a survey which found 84% of England Athletics members are interested in sustainability as a part of everyday life.
About The Green Runners:
The Green Runners formed in 2022 following the COP26 Climate Conference, with founding members disappointed by the commitments made to facing up to the climate crisis.
With more than 1,000 members worldwide, the group is run by volunteers and is entirely independent.
Well known members include ultra runner Damian Hall, a veteran of races including the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, Spine Race and Barkley Marathons and a co-founder of the group, and the 2019 Spine Race winner and multiple ultra marathon record holder, Jasmin Paris.
Their vision is one of running without a footprint and of helping people run with more awareness of the planet.
The group has also pledged to challenge the status quo of the running industry, which it believes is often unaware of the impact it is having on the planet.
England Athletics said: “Now is a critical time for us to ensure our clubs, events and wider community can shift this interest into action through the sport we all love.
“The Green Runners will be working with us to help affiliated clubs, RunTogether groups and athletes take positive environmental action.
“The focus of the partnership will be encouraging tangible action, providing resources, supporting progress and celebrating successes.”
Other environment-inspired Running Tales stories:
Revealed: The Secret Tory is an ultra marathoner who runs to save under threat birds of prey
Running for the climate: The relay aiming to protect our world for future generations
Ken Posner: The minimalist runner who embodies the barefoot spirit
Exact details of what the partnership will involve have yet to be spelt out, but England Athletics said it will be working with The Green Runners to “build some useful tips and resources” to help clubs and individual runners engage with their sustainability guidelines.
But it is likely tany guidance will adhere to four pillars of The Green Runners group, which their members are asked to consider.
These are:
How we move: Our travel has the greatest impact on the environment. Over 90% of an event’s carbon footprint comes from a runner’s travel, with air travel having the biggest impact.
How we kit up: As runners we are constantly being bombarded with new kit by brands and runners on social media. In reality, we probably already have more than enough kit to train and race effectively. Green Runners try to question every new purchase.
How we eat: Our diet as runners and in wider society has a considerable impact on the environment. The Green Runners encourage people to reduce their meat consumption and in general focus on higher quality, locally sourced produce wherever possible.
How we speak out: The final pillar of being a Green Runner is to help spread the word. They believe this isn’t about a small group doing this brilliantly, it’s creating a widespread change across the sporting community to help people to continuously improve while still enjoying their sport.
Jasmin Paris, who was also one of the co-founders of group, said: “We hope the running community can lead the way, giving people the tools and confidence to speak out and the opportunity to play a part in making a change.
“Together we can show what happens when a powerful community comes together.”
Any running club which would like to take part in the England Athletics trial should email hstow@englandathletics.org