Run for Climate Change is an annual virtual event. Originally created in 2020, and expanding in 2021, the event is a collaboration between One Running Movement and renewable energy firm Planet-U Energy.
This year’s event is opening with 2,000 places. To kick off the 2021 launch, Planet-U Energy CEO Grant Nicholson pledged to run 7 mrathons across the month of March – running an average of 10K a day. Other initiative saw former Leeds Rhinos rugby star Jamie Peacock MBE joining Grant Nicholson in a socially distanced 10K at Leeds’s Roundhay Park.
The #GrantsMarchMarathons initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change and One Running Movement’s pledge to ‘people, planet and purpose’.
Classed as an honesty run, a participant’s chosen distance over a year needs to be completed by March 31st, 2022. The distance can be run or walked and can be done as an individual, a business or a family.
Samaritans and Surfers Against Sewage are the benefiting charities, with £1 from every Run for Climate Change entry donated to each charity.
‘There is a difference with this virtual event – runners don’t just get a wooden medal that is ethically and sustainably sourced whilst supporting local communities. For every entry received, a tree is planted in Yorkshire by Planet-U Energy with a biodegradable plaque featuring the runner’s name or dedicated to a friend, relative or loved one.’
In addition to the names on the biodegradable plaques, a page on the One Running Movement website will feature messages to loved ones.
Runners of all ages can sign up to run a chosen distance of 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Marathon, in line with their health and wellbeing goals, the organisers note that by doing so participants aim to achieve the following:
- Helping themselves by being active and having a positive goal to aim or train for
- Helping to educate by raising awareness of climate change and renewable energy
- Helping communities where the wooden medals are made
- Helping charities who are committed to climate change and mental health
- Helping the planet by a tree being planted in Yorkshire woodland for every runner taking part
A picture of the tree will be sent to each runner within 12 months of it being planted.
Registrations for #RunForClimateChange are open now, and runners can complete their pledged distance until the end of March 2022. Different entry options are available for individuals, families or businesses, with adult entry (age 17+) at £12 and children / young adults entry (age 16 and under) at £6 with everyone receiving the same rewards.
www.onerunningmovement.com/run-for-climate-change
