Ecology

During the races, a lot of waste is generated, which should be properly managed. We lead our pack not only towards healthy outdoor activities but also, thanks to the support of our partner Generali Investments CEE, towards responsible waste sorting. Therefore, we have prepared bins specifically for paper, plastic, and cans for you. However, waste sorting doesn't just apply to you as a visitor but also to us as organizers. After the event, we process all the waste generated during our races. In previous seasons, we sorted 18 tons of waste during all our races with the help of our 'green paws'.

The connection between the running series Běhej lesy and the general partner Lesy ČR has a much deeper significance than it may initially seem. This collaboration has brought one of the main reasons why to run with us. If you participated in a Běhej lesy race, then you have the certainty that thanks to you, one new tree has been planted in Czech forests. If you ran multiple races, for each of your participation, together with Lesy ČR, we planted one new sapling. In total, we have planted 110,009 trees during various events, and thanks to you, this number can be even higher.

Although waste is sorted at our races, there is still a lot of plastic that needs to be reduced. In our forest base and refreshment stations, you won't quench your thirst from plastic or paper cups, but from large barrels filled with water. From these, you can fill up and replenish your water as much as you need, and during the race, we'll pour it for you to minimize your time. In the base, we use reusable deposit cups, which are used repeatedly. We simply don't want plastic bottles or single-use cups in the forest anymore.

The days of disposable cups in the forest are over! During one season, up to 100,000 paper cups were used. Therefore, in 2020, thanks to the support of Generali Investments CEE and Dr.Max, we replaced them with Speedcups. This cup made of thermoplastic polyurethane can be packed into your pocket, paw, or hung on a backpack or anywhere else with its practical handle in an instant. It weighs only 10 grams and will remain with you forever as a memento of your performance and experience. If you don't have one yet, you can get it directly when registering for the race through SportID or purchase it on-site for 50 CZK.

Because we want you to continue running through the forests with us, we strive to protect the trees by reducing unnecessary paper usage. In the 2020 season, we stopped printing all disposable brochures, leaflets, or locker tickets. Everything can be torn off directly from the race bib or found on your phone. And you don't even have to print anything in your lair; just come to the registrations with a QR code or confirmation on your phone.

You've already learned from us that we sort waste, which is then recycled. However, we decided that it's not enough and have chosen to further utilize recycled materials. At our races, you can encounter several innovations from the 2023 season, which are made from recycled materials. For example, all winners of individual races can now stand on podiums made from recycled plastic, crafted for us by the skilled Plastic Guys. This isn't the only novelty concerning our winners. This year, they receive diplomas made from fungal mycelium from the company Myco and medals made from PLA bioplastic, which is produced from corn, potatoes, and cereals.

A great opportunity to train and clean up forests is called "plogging." It involves running while picking up trash found in the vicinity of our homes. You can do it anywhere, anytime. Every spring before the first races, we announce a special event on our social media platforms in collaboration with groups like Rozběháme Česko and Ukliďme Česko to help our forests and the places where we live.

How to minimize your carbon footprint on your way to races? We have a few tips for you...

Are you driving to the races? Do you have extra space? Check out the event on Facebook and offer your extra seats to your colleagues, or alternatively join someone else. We always encourage this activity in our events beforehand. At the very least, you'll meet someone with the same interests and you might become new training buddies.

We also consider those who arrive at the race by bike. In combination with the train, it's a very quick and inexpensive way of transportation. Plus, you'll get some exercise on the way. We always have a bike storage area prepared in the venue, so your beloved bike will be safe.