Sustainability Framework

In 2017 the Lake District was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site; this designation specifically covers the 13 valleys that make up the Lake District National Park. We're donating 5% of every entry fee to the Lake District Foundation , the charity working to protect this magnificent part of the planet.

The Lake District Foundation supports the sustainable future of Cumbria and the National Park through low carbon initiatives, fixing the fells, planting hedgerows and much more.

We are trying our best to make this event as sustainable as possible. Here are a few things we are doing:

• Using local staff and suppliers where possible, to reduce travel and support local communities
• Ensure all signs used on the event are re-usable, with no single use signs. Wayfinding signs will include a phone number so we can be made aware of any missed and return to collect them
• Our feed stations will provide veggie and vegan alternatives
• We will publish a post-event report with an open and honest account of the carbon footprint of the event
• Limit unwanted race souvenirs, with no race tees and local medals made from sustainable materials.

If you’re wondering what you can do to help, there are a few things we suggest:

• Consider car sharing – sharing a car with another 3 people reduces your travel emissions by a quarter and can be comparable to public transport
• Consider using public transport to come to the event, and the event buses to get to the 5 and 7 Valleys start
• Consider incorporating commuting into your training. Set your total travel distance for the event as your goal, and offset this by replacing your commute with a training run or cycle
• Stay longer – don’t just stay for the event, make a trip out of it. Stay longer, see the sites and combine the event with a holiday, maximizing the benefit of your travel! The Lake District National Park has plenty to offer!
• When training for the event, collect litter you spot on the trail to recycle or dispose of properly. This this will not only protect local environment but highlight the impact of litter accidentally dropped during the event
• Write your run number on your race food – this will help create a sense of ownership, and remind you of your responsibility when out on the trails
• When your kit is getting tired, repair and re-use it before looking to replace
• If you must replace, can you buy second hand? If you are buying new, can you buy something that will suit multi-activities?

We really recommend reading the books ‘We can’t run away from this’ by Damian Hall and ‘How bad are bananas’ by Mike Berners-Lee if you’d like further information on sustainability and reducing your carbon footprint.

You can also sign up to Kilian Jornet’s ”Outdoor Friendly Pledge”, or get involved with “The Green Runners”, a running community making changes for a fitter planet.