You joined The Green Runners. You made your pledge. You pinned on your badge (or perhaps stitched it, if you are more sartorially inclined). What next?
It’s time to meet your fellow members from across the globe—discover what drives them, the actions they take, and why they strive for progress over perfection.
Jodi
Kicking off our Badge Bimble Thursdays, featuring the true stars of The Green Runners — our members! First up: Jodi, one of our freshest recruits and already rocking the badge like a pro.
“Here I am taking part in the Pewsey Downsaround 26 mile event, organised by the Long Distance Walkers Association.
This is my first TGR badge bimble. I joined The Green Runners as it felt overwhelming knowing where to start when trying to change my attitudes and actions to become more environmentally conscious.
TGR made it feel more achievable: making me think about the four Pillars and what I could do that would make a difference.
The problem with making changes is that it can feel a bit ‘all or nothing’. I want to be able to do something meaningful and keep building on that: not fall at the first hurdle because I feel I’m not doing it all perfectly. Here are my pledges (see below).
TURN RACES INTO HOLIDAYS to avoid unnecessary travel ‘just for the sake of a race’ & lift-share whenever possible
CHOOSE NUTRITION OPTIONS WISELY go for plastic-free / recyclable & homemade run fuelling options first. Explore alternatives & recipes
REPAIR, RE-USE & SHARE running kit wherever possible: stop buying new just because it’s exciting and shiny (yeah, even hats! Start a swap/sales group for Far Runners Faringdon
Use my position as Run Leader/Coach to PROMOTE GREEN RUNNERS and green running in my run local group Far Runners Faringdon to influence club & members’ attitudes & behaviours “
Joseph
“My name is Joseph, I live in France and I’ve been a member of the Green Runners for two years now! I mostly race on road, track and cross-country, plus the occasional short trail; I prefer training in nature though!
Plogging is one of my pledges […] I remembered to grab that brown paper bag and to pick what I spotted.
Last weekend I wasn’t feeling well and I thought that proper training would be impossible, so I thought I should do something different for once. Plogging is one of my pledges, but every time I remember I want to do that, I’m already 20 minutes into my jog, a couple kilometers from home, looking at rubbish on the trail without any bin in sight or bag at hand. Not this time! I remembered to grab that brown paper bag and to pick what I spotted. Nothing special really–mostly paper towels and plastic bits and packages… and a pair of gardening gloves. Though it was a bit desperate at times (near the city) the forest trails were mostly very clean. I’ll definitely do that again on easy runs and try to come up with a better system than carrying a fragile brown paper bag!”
Peter
“I joined The Green Runners after realising just how important it is to look after our one and only planet.
I’ve been running since the 1980s and am a regular club runner with Heanor Running Club. More recently, I’ve been involved with GoodGym in Nottingham—I really enjoy giving back to my community, whether it’s shifting things, painting, or plogging.
Now, as a Green Runner, I’m trying to make small changes that I believe can add up.
I’m making my kit last longer—using Pair Ups for worn uppers and getting shoes resoled to keep them out of landfill. I’ve also started (politely!) saying no thank you to race T-shirts.
I know I’m not perfect—but I’m a work in progress, and there’s plenty more still to do”
Sebastian
“My name is Sebastian Bönner. I am a 45-year-old (trail) runner from Bonn, Germany, and I joined The Green Runners a little over three years ago.
As an enthusiastic outdoor athlete and someone working in the outdoor industry, protecting our environment has always been important to me.
The effects of climate change are clearly visible even here in the heart of Europe—far beyond melting glaciers and rising sea levels.
Since running is my passion, it was an easy decision to join The Green Runners as soon as I heard about them.
My pledges:
- Biking or walking whenever possible—otherwise taking the train
- Choosing second-hand or sustainable gear
- Eating a vegan diet focused on local and seasonal ingredients
- Supporting others on their sustainability journey
One of my favourite events is the Drachenlauf in Siebengebirge:
26km, 1,000m elevation, stunning views over the Rhine — and a Leave No Trace policy with mandatory reusable cups.”
Kim
“I’m an animal conservationist and trying to minimise my impact on the environment and protect wildlife has always been important to me. The Green Runners and the pledges align perfectly with my values and allow me to enjoy the sport without sacrificing them.”
Kim has pledged to:
- Take public transport (or bike/run if possible)
- Follow a vegan diet
- Repair and reuse kit
Last weekend she tackled the 70-mile Rat Race: The Wall ultramarathon. Although she did not finish, she’s proud to have run further than ever before.
Every action counts—whether it is taking the train, going plant-based, or mending old kit. Kim’s story is a brilliant reminder that aligning our sport with our values is a finish line worth aiming for.
Sally
Meet Sally, one of our inspiring Green Runners. Sally shows how determination on the trail and mindful choices off it can go hand in hand. Her chosen pillar is How I kit up, where she focuses on repairing, reusing, and buying second-hand.
Here is Sally’s story in her own words:
“Before joining TGR I always tried to consider my impact on the environment. Becoming a member means I now have my pledges to stick to, which helps to provide accountability for the choices I make in my day to day life. My pillar of choice is ‘How I kit up’. I try to make do with the kit I already have, and if I do need to get something then my first stop is to go to websites like ebay and vinted. I also repair more of my kit, particularly patching up or resoling trainers, rather than buying more.
It is really hard to sum up my experience on the Spine Challenger North. It is the longest race I have done by a long way, and I was so close to quitting at halfway. It was only with the support of the volunteers, other runners, family and friends that I was able to claw my way out of the dark place I had got myself into and carry on to the finish. I will never forget taking a nap on Hadrian’s Wall or the sunrise over the Cheviots.”
Sally’s story reminds us that every choice matters, from what we wear to how we move.
Toby
“I have been with The Green Runners since January, having been impressed with what I saw at the Running Show, and Damian’s and Jasmin’s enthusiasm and values resonated with me… I love being a Green Runner. Although I struggle locally to join a club due to the unpredictable nature of my job (nurse), I feel connected and part of a growing community.
My pledge is plastic reduction, especially in races, and what changes I can make at home – diet is a consistent change to plant-based; reusing kit or buying second-hand (e.g. Preloved Sport) as well as reducing my carbon footprint generally.
Last weekend I took part in the Serpent Trail 50k. Had a lovely chat with (TGR co-founder) Nina and others from into ultra before the trundle, and picked up their badge too. I gabbed to anyone slow enough or deranged enough to still be running at my pace about The Green Runners, Into Ultra, my pledge not to buy new kit, and lifestyle changes generally all of the way round – with maybe a few concessionary grunts and nods… Hopefully you can still see the pain in my eyes that caused waterworks on crossing the line!Next stop is the Thames Path 50k – I will be reusing all the kit and getting a lift/shared ride there as it is not too far away. See you soon somewhere!”