Racing to Save the Environment
And you might even save money on registration fees
The starting gun goes off. Soon I’m charging down hills and across valleys, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature while testing my physical abilities alongside a pack of fellow runners. But as I make my way along the trail that comprises this race course, my eye is drawn away from the beauty around me toward the ground…and the litter scattered on the otherwise pristine trail. A GU packet here, an errant tissue there, and it seems that everywhere paper cups deface the landscape.
Running is, in general, an eco-friendly sport. No grassy golf greens that require fertilizer, no ice rinks in need of refrigeration…not many essentials in the way of equipment except a pair of decent running shoes. However, the races in which runners participate can negatively impact the environment if steps aren’t taken to mitigate potential damage. Fortunately, many race directors are taking action to decrease the adverse consequences that can result from their events.
Treading lightly upon the trails
As a back-of-the-pack person at races, I get a good look at the junk left behind by the faster folks ahead of me. Some items appear to have been dropped unintentionally, but I suspect others are jettisoned on purpose — empty energy…
