Leave Nothing but Footprints Take Nothing but Photographs
The environment is a hot topic at the moment. In recent months it has been the use of plastic bottles which has led to the confirmation that microscopic particles of plastic and polyester now exist in pretty much every source of water in the World. That is even before we head into the debate on climate change and school children coming to the fore to champion a better way forward.
The truth is as runners, we can make a difference. But what should we or can we do?
So with that in mind we were really keen to get Patagonia along, to show what can be done, in doing so to get involved ourselves. So that is what we are aiming to do and to ask everyone else who comes along to the BIG Running Weekend to be involved. It’s also gotta be fun, interesting and relevant.
We not only managed to persuade Patagonia, we also enlisted Stuart Walker, the founder of the highly successful Runners Agaisnt Rubbish. So a-plogging-we-shall-go! For those that are less familiar with the term ‘Plogging’ it simply means running whilst collecting rubbish and then responsibly disposing of said rubbish. Then there are the contributors to the Mini Talks, all making a difference in what they do.
So if you are wandering what we are going to be up to so you can come along and join in the fun, here’s the full list. We hope to have you along.
Plogging Runs – Further information here >>
Rivelin: Friday 22nd March, 7am. From Rivelin Café.
Olympic Legacy Park and Canal Area: Friday 22nd March, 10.15am. From the Accelerate Running Store
Ecclesall Woods: Friday 22nd March, 5pm. From the Discovery Centre
Litter Picking Sticks, Gloves and Bags will be provided.
Patagonia Worn Wear Van – Friday midday until 9pm, Woodland Discovery Centre.
As individual consumers the single best thing we can do for the planet is to keep our gear in use for longer. Worn Wear joins the BIG Running Weekend for the first time to offer free repairs on busted zippers, rips, tears, including GORE-TEX products and more.
All brands are welcome and we’ll aim to repair everything we possibly can. We can also show you how to make simple repairs yourself to give your kit a new lease of life.
Repairs are taken on a first come first served basis and we can only take one item per person. Please make sure that all items are clean and dry and please also note that unfortunately we’re unable to repair bags or shoes. For more information on this amazing project… here >>
Repair is a Radical Act
Take Nothing but Photographs – Saturday 1pm and Sunday 1pm, Discovery Centre (outside).
If you seen the amazing photographs used on this website then you can’t fail to recognise a good photographer. That photographer is Ben Lumley and he has been spotted at many a major sporting event this last year, notably working with the Brownlee Brothers and the British Triathlon Association. Amongst others…
Ben, will once again be along this time passing on tips for taking great photos with your camera-phone or small digital camera whilst you are out running. We anticipate Instagram to be awash with stunning photography from the BIG Running weekend…
Mini Talks, Patagonia Film ‘Takayna’ and Main Evenings Speaker.
Saturday 7:30pm, Sycamore Suite. You can check out all the details here >>
A series of three mini talks exploring the impact we have as runners on the environment. Our guest speakers have a host of experience of looking into ways we can minimise our impact. Each will take centre stage and take us through the things we can all do, starting today, that can make a difference and that are not as difficult to do as we may think. Oh yes, the speakers: Rob Cole, Stuart Walker and Alex Hinchcliffe.
This will be followed by an environmental documentary ‘Takayna’ and then Patagonia Ambassador, CHLOË LANTHIER, talks “Why running and for her the different dimensions it brings to her life”. She will also tell us what she has learnt from running, from her racing and her joy of ‘quality mountain time’. Chloë will also follow the theme of the evening as she looks at what we should be aware of as runners regarding the environment.
