Being a Sustainable Runner

Being a Sustainable Runner
Having been in Tuscany 20 years ago to enjoy the culture and the gastronomy, it never crossed my mind that I would be back to run 42 km in the countryside. Running gives us reasons to travel to parts of the country or the world we otherwise never visit, or we would consider to explore differently.
When you think of Chianti, wine and good food is what certainly comes to your mind. It certainly was what attracted me initially to the Chianti Ultra Trail:, the idea of seeing the area in a different way, running through vineyards and nature while looking forward to the wonderful Italian food and wine post race.
Tuscany is known for its landscapes, history, artistic legacy, and is regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, so after enjoying race day, it was a good opportunity to spend Easter. It is the first time I decided on a holiday based on a race, but definitely a first that I enjoyed as I have the opportunity to see more of the rural side of a country I visited before.

As a race organizer myself and someone who explores the outdoors, sustainability has become very important to me. I want to know that I can enjoy running without guilt, knowing it’s not damaging to my body, the land and our ecosystem. I observe small and big races and get inspired and for others I have never joined I can only wonder of their impact to the environment. What I liked about the Chianti Trail Race is that runners needed to carry most of what they needed. It was easier to keep waste to a mínimum, as all checkpoints provided water from big containers or even big water tanks. All runners had to bring their own cups and even bring their own pins.
For me running is all about enjoying the journey of getting from point A to point B, focusing on adventure and the experience and not the results. There is more to running than finish lines and medals, and being out and accomplishing a goal is more than enough. While chasing a goal, giving back to the community always helps me create meaningful and satisfying experiences. I select charities that are important to me, and that evoke a visceral response.
This year I chose Akashinga, an all-women anti-poaching unit. They are revolutionizing the ways animals are protected, communities are supported, and wilderness landscapes are restored and safeguarded. Being an Akashinga Ranger is more than wildlife conservation and protection. These women are bringing income to their communities, creating green economies that have positive generational outcomes. Many of these women are purchasing property, building homes, and sending their children to school full time. They are also obtaining driver’s licenses, enrolling in college and finishing degrees and have been relieved from the hardships that I faced before.
But what other adjustments can we make to be more sustainable? Small intentions are also valid,even if it is putting fewer plastic ítems into the landfill. Runners attend in big numbers to many races, If we persist with complaints, criticisms, or pleas at running events to find ways to reduce their impact, other events will follow, race organizers will want to provide the best experience for their runners, and if they know it is important to us, change will happen quickly.
Just because we like medals, shirts or single use bottles does not mean we should keep having them at each event every year. I have joined a race where having the t-shirt is an option and no medal is given; why do we need to accumulate more objects? Why do all runners need a medal? Is it integral to the success of the event? There are wooden options and sustainable options made of recycled material, however the more sustainable option would be not providing any of this, I guess it is in the runner’s hand to refuse taking the medal and just be content with the experience.
What are your thoughts on this?