Sustainability in Running and Races: Can we do more? 

Recent studies have demonstrated that marathons and other multitudinous races have a negative impact on the environment. For example, an article on the BBC points out that, despite the fact that air pollution in cities decreases when these events take place due to the closure of the roads. Some of the issues are that marathons produce a large carbon footprint due to the use of plastic bottles and multitudinous commuting which creates a large carbon footprint.

Worries about the environmental impact of marathons have led the TCS London Marathon to write a report on their sustainability each year and their goal is to have a zero footprint by 2024 through the adoption of initiatives such as using electric vehicles and renewable energy in their organisation.

As runners, how can we help and what measures can race organisers put in place to reduce our footprint?

Learn how we can make running and racing more sustainable;

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1. Save your safety pins

It might seem futile, but if we gathered all of the safety pins (packaged in plastic!) bought by all the attendees to all of the marathons that take place in a year… it would be very difficult to count them! Do your bit by remembering to keep the safety pins with you once you have run. You can reuse them for years to come.

Top Tip! Attach them to your racing vest in between use and that way you won't forget where they are and you'll have them ready for your next race!

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2. Reuse race numbers

Some race series are beginning to offer the option of using the same number when participating in more than one of their events. For example, our SportsShoes trail and fell running ambassador Ben Mounsey tells us that he is participating in the fell series of BOFRA (British Open Fell Runners Association) and that he is using the same number in all of the races - and there’s 16! That makes a big difference compared to using 16 different bibs.

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3. Support eco-friendly races

One of them is Klassmark, which with its #nonaturenofuture initiative advocates for a zero waste policy by providing the runners with reusable glasses throughout the route.

Here are a few ways in which Klassmark help the environment;

1. WASTE 0

Installing a green point at all events to inform and manage all actions that promote 0 waste. Eliminating single-use organic packaging and replacing them with rice husk cups and bowls that have a 200-use life cycle. The participants collect them and return them to the green point to be reused. Water bottles are replaced by fountains and drums, while beverage cans are crushed and stored for taking to an aluminium melting plant.

In the green point there is only one organic container to throw away the remains of food that will be composted once the event ends. Cartons and other materials from different suppliers are returned to their origin for another use. Klassmark have eliminated the runner's bag with brochures and publicity gifts from sponsors and replaced it with digital marketing. They are the first waste 0 outdoor sports event organiser.

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2. RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION

Klassmark are committed to local and proximity suppliers to offer the highest quality in their products and services and, at the same time, the most sustainable. At the refreshment stations they offer healthy food, avoiding saturated and processed products.

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3. REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT

Klassmark calculate the environmental impact of their activity. The total amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted determines their carbon footprint. This is certified annually following regulated international regulations to compensate it through different environmental actions. Based on these results, they detect which points can be improved to reduce the volume of our emissions.

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4. ENVIRONMENTAL TAX

Klassmark make a donation after every event, equivalent to one euro per participant, to a local environmental entity or group. The environmental tax is applied to the price of all registrations and has a direct impact on actions to preserve and improve the area where they carry out activities and events.

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5. GREEN FOOTPRINT

Leave no mark. Klassmark review and clean the environment before and after every event. Routes are marked with fabric tape, signs and reusable flanges. They do not produce plastic or single-use paper signage elements. The next day the mountain must rise better than the previous day.

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Photo by Emrah Yazıcıoğlu

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4. Choose Trees Not Tees

Trees Not Tees is an organisation that collaborates with sports events to reduce the manufacturing of promotional t-shirts. For every runner who opts out from receiving their race t-shirt, Trees Not Tees will plant a tree instead. You can support this initiative by entering events that partner with Trees Not Trees.

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5. Say no to medals

Normally when a runner reaches the finish line of a marathon, the organisation rewards him or her with a medal. Each time more races are offering inscriptions as a “green runner”, which means that you will not receive a medal when you reach the end. In this way, you’ll contribute to using less material.

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6. Reuse race flags

Traditionally, race organisers use the classic red and white plastic tape that eventually gets broken and thrown away after each race. However, if you are part of the organisation of a race, you can choose to use reusable materials for flags that mark the course. They can then be used time and time again, saving lots of unnecessary waste.

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Photo by Steve Jewett on Unsplash

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7. Trash Free Trails

What if our adventures not only sustained us and our connection to nature, but they actually contributed towards a positive impact to the places we visit?

1. BECOME A PLOGGER

Plogging is an initiative that combines running with the collection of rubbish found on the route or trail. It is the perfect way of combining your passion for sports with your concern for the environment. And if you are into competition… there even is a plogging world championship!

You can find out more about Plogging here

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2. TRASH FREE TRAILS

For many people, the environmental and social issues facing us are so colossal that they are overwhelming. Often, this causes a kind of ‘head in the sand’ ‘carry on regardless’ reaction from even the most environmentally sensitive people. In short, many of us have become depressed into inaction.

Trash Free Trails aims to (re)connect people with nature through the simple yet meaningful act of removing single-use pollution from wild places. We can all make a positive difference each time we ride, run or roam by removing and reporting the trash that we see.

You can find out more about Trash Free Trails here

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3. WORLD CLEAN UP DAY

World Cleanup Day is celebrated on the 16th September 2023 and brings together people worldwide to clean up and care for their communities. This day unites millions of volunteers, governments and organisations in 191 countries to tackle the global waste problem and build up the new and sustainable world.  

Will you join us to create a waste-free world?

Join the movement for clean planet!

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Photo by Florida-Guidebook.com on Unsplash

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Fix the Fells

Aside from air pollution, another potential hazard of races is the damage done to the environment where they take place. There is a variant of plogging that, instead of picking up rubbish, focuses on the restoration and conservation of paths and fells.

Based in the Lake District, Fix the Fells allows volunteers to work with professional conservationists in the restoration of their favourite green areas. It is another way of exercising with purpose, as the volunteers will have to cover long distances around these areas!

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8. Car share to show you care

It's the small things that really make a big difference. Try and share lifts to races wherever and whenever possible or use public transport to help get you there. Or, even better - why not cycle to a race! Obviously it will depend on the distance you need to travel, so trying participating in more local races as often it's these smaller, community-based events that really need your help and support.

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At SportsShoes we are completely aware that without sustainability there is no future; with no soil to step on, there are no races. We have compensated for 40 years of carbon emissions thanks to our sustainability policy which you can consult here.

Visit our website to explore the SportssShoes Sustainability Store.

Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community.
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.