SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABILITY AND SWS

a. Partnering with sustainable organizations – We work with partners who uphold sustainability measures.

b. Supporting local businesses – We prioritize hiring local photographers and videographers, reducing the need for global travel.

c. Eco-friendly transportation – Our team carpools and uses public transport whenever possible.

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are encouraging and supporting the SWS in continuously taking measures to reduce the environmental impact of our races. While we acknowledge that we are not perfect, we implement new strategies to improve each season. 

Our sustainability efforts include working with partners who share our values, relying on local photographers and videographers to support businesses while minimizing global travel, and encouraging the SWS team to carpool and use public transport whenever possible. Below is information on the race’s environmental measures and tips on how to visit the location of each event sustainably.

PARTNER INITIATIVES

Protect what has protected us. Nature has our back – so we’re helping to minimize our impact on the outdoors by making footwear and apparel with recycled, renewable, or organic materials.”

  • 70% recycled mesh upper
 
  • 100% recycled laces
 
  • 2025 Goals 
    • 100% of our products will contain organic, recycled, or renewable materials
    • Reduce shoe and apparel samples by 50
    • Reduce Plastic Packaging
    • Reduce water waste by 40 Mil. gallons
    • Complete 10K volunteer hours
    • Save 300K pairs of shoes from ending up in landfills.

RACE INITIATIVES

Here are some of the best sustainability initiatives from the races across the Series:

  • Waste Reduction:
    • No single-use cups: Many races require runners to bring their own cups or bottles to refill at aid stations, eliminating plastic waste.  
    • Reusable markings: Races are using reusable flags, posters, and biodegradable paint for course markings instead of disposable tape.  
    • Waste separation and recycling: Strict waste separation and recycling are implemented at all event locations.  

  • Local Sourcing and Partnerships:
    • Local products: Races prioritize using local and organic products for food, awards, and event materials.  
    • Local businesses: Partnering with local businesses for sponsorship and encouraging runners to support them.  
    • Collaboration with environmental organizations: Working with local authorities and environmental organizations for trail cleanups and other initiatives.  

  • Sustainable Transportation:
    • Public transport: Encouraging runners to use public transportation to reach the event.  
    • Carpooling: Promoting carpooling for runners and staff.  
    • Electric transport: Using electric vehicles for event operations.  

  • Environmental Awareness:
    • Education and awareness: Pre-event communication and on-site signage emphasize “Leave No Trace” principles and respect for the local environment.  
    • Environmental volunteering: Organizing teams dedicated to cleaning and restoring trails after the event.  
    • Social plogging run: Engaging the community in a plogging run to clean up the city.  

  • Other Notable Initiatives:
    • Tree planting: Partnering with organizations to plant trees for every racer.  
    • No-schwag policy: Reducing waste by not giving out unnecessary items in race packages.  
    • Renewable energy: Using solar-powered devices for event operations.  
    • Donations to environmental causes: Donating a portion of race proceeds to support environmental protection.  

These ideas showcase a strong commitment to sustainability across various aspects of the races, from waste reduction and transportation to community engagement and environmental awareness.

RUNNER INITIATIVES

 As a participant, you can contribute to a greener race experience by adopting sustainable habits before, during, and after the event.

Transportation & Travel

  • Opt for public transportation or carpooling to the race location.
  • If flying, offset your carbon footprint by donating to reforestation projects.
  • Use shuttle services provided by race organizers when available.

Gear & Equipment

  • Bring your own reusable hydration system (bottles, soft flasks, or cups).
  • Avoid single-use plastics—pack snacks in reusable containers.
  • Invest in high-quality, sustainable running gear that lasts longer.
 
 On the Course
  • Follow the “Leave No Trace” principle—never litter on the trail.
  • Carry out all waste, including energy gel wrappers and food packaging.
  • Respect the environment by staying on marked trails and avoiding shortcuts.

Supporting Local Communities

  • Buy food, souvenirs, and accommodations from local businesses.
  • Participate in race-sponsored sustainability initiatives such as tree planting or cleanup projects.
  • Learn about the local ecosystem and how to help protect it.

Post-Race Responsibility

  • Recycle race materials such as bibs and timing chips if possible.
  • Donate or repurpose old running gear instead of throwing it away.
  • Share sustainable practices with fellow runners to encourage broader adoption.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE MORE SUSTAINABLY: 

Travel Green

  • Use public transportation or carpool to events when possible.
  • Take advantage of race-organized transport options.


Reduce Waste

  • Bring your own reusable hydration system.
  • Avoid single-use plastics and unnecessary packaging.


Support Local Communities

  • Purchase goods from local markets and shops.
  • Engage in cultural experiences and learn about the environment around you.

WATCH SKYRACE DES MATHEYSINS LIVE!

Skyrace® Des Matheysins is being livestreamed. Watch online at the link below at 9:15am (CET), 20th April! 

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