Jornet Launches Mountain Running Sustainability Campaign
Trail running legend Kilian Jornet has launched a campaign to "save the essence of mountain running," warning about the dangers of overcrowding in races and advocating for more sustainable event practices. Jornet is joining efforts to certify the sustainability of major races, pushing the community to balance growth with environmental responsibility. The initiative comes as trail running's popularity has led to environmental concerns at popular mountain venues.
- The "Green Trail Concept" is a European initiative led by the Kilian Jornet Foundation and co-financed by the European Union's Erasmus+ program. It aims to create the first specific sustainability certification for trail running races. - The certification will use a digital tool to assess races against 67 indicators covering environmental, social, and economic impacts before, during, and after the event. The tool is scheduled to be finalized and publicly available for race organizers by January 2026. - The initiative addresses the sport's rapid expansion, which has seen participation grow by 231% in the last 10 years, leading to larger events and increased environmental pressure. - Pilot tests of the certification system have been conducted at major European races, including the Zegama-Aizkorri Mountain Marathon in Spain and the Österlen Spring Trail in Sweden. - This certification is part of a broader movement for sustainability in the sport, which includes efforts like the International Trail Running Association's (ITRA) 'Green Charter' and certifications for events by the Council for Responsible Sport. - The Kilian Jornet Foundation also runs other environmental projects, including "Restore the Trails," which organizes volunteers to preserve and repair degraded mountain paths in locations like Spain and California. - Jornet's outdoor brand, NNormal, is a partner in his sustainability efforts and operates under a commitment to 1% for the Planet, supporting the foundation's research, education, and direct action initiatives.
