A Badge Bimble that is a little different from the usual format. Normally, I’m working behind the scenes as TGR’s Content Engagement Manager, scouting and connecting with members proudly wearing our happy little green—or gold!—badge for our Thursday social posts. But this week, you get to put a face to a name (which I’m sure you’ve been desperate for!)
At the end of May, I teamed up with fellow member Petra to take on the Cape Wrath Ultra—an intense, 8-day expedition race following the rugged Cape Wrath trail from Fort William to the iconic lighthouse.
While Petra and I had never met in person before the race, we started chatting on social media last winter after realising we had booked the same sleeper train to Scotland (hence bonding from the get go over a lack of sleep). We quickly discovered that we live fairly close to each other, we are both professionals, we’re the same age, we’re both comfortable with long stretches of silence… and somehow owned the exact same set of camping cups and cutlery. The similarities, however, pretty much ended once it came to experience. Petra, a seasoned endurance runner, had her act together from the start. It’s thanks to her, and to fellow TGR member Fiona, that I am not still stuck at the top of a waterfall trying to figure out where the path went.
Along the way, we spotted other TGR badges pinned to packs—which inevitably had me breaking into a jog to catch up and say hello. Petra even joked it could have been a winning strategy: waving a badge like a carrot on a stick!
We both fell victim to the notorious Day Three, known for its punishing terrain and unforgiving cut-off times, and ended up switching to the more “leisurely” Explorer option. It gave us the chance to take in more of the trail’s beauty (and still plenty of its challenges). There were long stretches of quiet as we soaked in wild surroundings that made us feel like we were in The Lord of the Rings.
One moment silence might have served me better was during a long, flat stretch—gloriously runnable but mind-numbingly dull. After miles and miles of complete silence, I suddenly blurted out, “IT’S BEEN EIGHTY-FOUR YEARS!” just as we turned a corner and locked eyes with a very confused (and very rare) hiker. Safe to say, the trail brought plenty of unexpected moments, both quiet and hilarious.
Between the mud, midges, and magical views, we also had time to reflect on what brought us here: not just to the Cape Wrath trail, but to The Green Runners in the first place.
What inspired you to join TGR?
Petra: I wanted to be part of a community that cares about the world around us via running.
As most of us, I was already aware of what needs to be done for our environment but I just didn’t know where to start. I came across The Green Runners, joined, made my pledges and started to make my impact.
Paola: I first came across TGR last year, after reading Damian Hall’s We Can’t Run Away From This; something about it really lit a spark in me. I found myself instinctively starting to think more about my own actions. Not long after, I met co-founder Nina Davies, who swiftly pulled me into volunteering with the Content team. I think I might be one of the few who became a volunteer before officially becoming a member!
What is your pillar/pledge of choice?
Petra:
Nutrition/Fuelling – I’ve been vegan for about 3 years now and although it’s been a long educational journey, I am still conscious of where my food comes from and how it’s resourced. I mainly stay away from highly processed and fast food.
Repair & reuse running kit – I am quite handy with a sewing machine so any repairs to my running kit, I happily do myself. I also started the process of turning my unused race t-shirts into blankets.
Travel to races – I very rarely race abroad and any UK travel to races is via train or car share; many times combined with a family holiday.
Paola: In 2025, I pledged not to buy any new kit unless absolutely necessary, and only to sign up for races I could reach by public transport or car-sharing. It was quite the challenge leading up to the CWU, especially sticking to the no new kit rule; I definitely had to make a few exceptions… And considering the state I was in by day eight, I’m very glad I never bought a second-hand pillow! Still, it gave me great satisfaction hunting down brilliant second-hand bargains on Vinted and eBay: even my 79L drybag had previously belonged to a local runner.
Thanks for joining us on this journey and for getting to know what motivates us as Green Runners. Every step we take, every pledge we make, adds up to real change—together, we are stronger. We’d love to hear what inspired you to join TGR and how you’re making your own impact. Remember, every small action counts, and you’re part of a community that’s here to support you all the way.
From next week, I will be back to sharing your stories. If you would like to be featured in a future Badge Bimble, just drop me a message at [email protected]. We would love to hear how you are putting your pledges into action!
Keep moving forward—and keep running green!