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Coopah How To: Be A More Sustainable Runner

Jordan Foster

02/09/2024

In this series of ‘HOW TO’ blogs, we are going to share our tips for the most common questions we get asked by our community of runners, and this blog is all about How To Be A More Sustainable Runner.

What can I do to be a more sustainable runner?

Over the last few years we have seen a real shift in what events can offer to help reduce their impact on the environment, and thankfully lots more events seem to be on board and promoting this for their races! But here are some tips on how you can make a difference each time you go to event

  • Car share with friends or use public transport to get to your event.
  • If the race offers it, opt out of a t-shirt and/or medal when signing up.
  • Take your own water bottle with you so you don’t have to take the water bottles on the course.
  • Ensure you pick up all your litter and don’t drop empty gel packets on the course, take them home with you.

What can I do with my old running kit?

According to research, currently 33 million pairs of running shoes are in landfill, which is a pretty scary statistic! But, whilst we can’t fix the problem straight away, there are things we can do to help;

  • Donate your old shoes to JogON – who have pledged to keep 1 million pairs of shoes out of landfill.
  • Head to your nearest Runners Need as donate your shoes to their Recycle My Run campaign, they also offer a £20 discount on a new pair of shoes too.
  • Ask your local running club if they need any kit donations.
  • Donate to the Coopah Refugee Run Club. Contact run@coopah.com for more info on how to do this.

How can I reduce my impact on wildlife?

First of all, here at Coopah we absolutely love getting out in the trails too – you just can’t beat it! But it is really important that we take extra care when we are out on the trails, and here are a few things you can do to help reduce your impact;

  • Stick to paved paths or tracks where possible.
  • If there is no paved path, avoid bare and muddy areas, as soil loss by foot erosion takes years to restore.
  • Take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit.
  • Know the signs & symbols of the countryside to help you stay on track & keep safe.
  • Do not feed livestock, horses or wild animals as it can cause them harm
  • Care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
  • Never damage any living vegetation, even mosses.

‘Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints’

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