Discover how Elis reduces his running footprint through car-free travel, second-hand kit, and plant-powered fuelling on his ultra marathon journey.
At The Green Runners, we believe that learning how to reduce your running footprint starts with small, intentional choices. Elis, one of our brilliant members, has turned those choices into action—rethinking travel, kit, and food to tread more lightly on the planet.
My pledges
- Move: Cycle, walk, run, or use public transport instead of driving or flying.
- Fuel: Reduce meat consumption.
- Kit up: No new running clothes this year and repair shoes.
- Speak out: Increase work with The Green Runners and wear my badge!
My actions for The Green Runners
Relating to how I move, I have not driven for a good couple of years now and instead use public transport, human power, or occasionally car share to get to running spots and races. Despite sometimes being challenging, I enjoy figuring out how to get somewhere without a car—it keeps me active and healthy! I am particularly passionate about this pillar and look forward to continuing to move in a greener way in the future.
Since becoming a member of The Green Runners, how I eat has slowly changed. I still occasionally eat meat, but this year I have cut my consumption down a lot, never cooking with meat myself anymore (which is most of the time). My running does not feel any worse because of it—in fact, it feels better, though that might also be due to more training! I have gone into more detail about this pledge in my blog: How You Fuel.
Kit is also a big one for me. Last year, I massively reduced the amount of kit I bought—only two new pairs of trainers for the whole year, which I think is pretty good considering I have likely run 4,000+ km in them! I have become consciously less of a consumer over the past few years because I strongly believe material possessions do not bring happiness. This year, I have not bought any new running clothes. I will instead contribute to a circular economy, sourcing essential kit second-hand or borrowing from friends. I am also putting more effort into making my shoes last longer—cleaning them properly after runs and repairing them when needed.
We do not need all this fancy kit to enjoy running in nature—that is just aggressive marketing by big corporations.
As for speaking out, I have become more vocal about The Green Runners with friends and in running groups, and I started writing a blog last year. I have also made an effort to wear my badge more often and start conversations whenever someone asks about it. As a bit of an online ghost, one of my goals was to do more face-to-face work with The Green Runners. I believe word of mouth is still the most powerful way to spread messages. Last week, I volunteered at the Love Trails Festival in Wales.
It was amazing to talk to people about what we are doing and to see how many other runners are interested in reducing their footprint. The future is bright—I really do think so.
I believe it is more vital than ever that we vocalise our opinions, spread the message about climate change, and help change the narrative. Otherwise, we will be in a whole load of trouble. That is why the “Speak Out” pillar is the most important to me, and why I am committed to continuing this work with The Green Runners and other organisations.
Future races
My big race this year is the Ring O’ Fire—a 215 km ultramarathon around Ynys Môn (Isle of Anglesey). It is the first year the race will be continuous, and I will be raising money for the incredible charity Mind Over Mountains. I am calling it the Ring of Hope.
Running has helped my mental health hugely, especially in the past few months. But not everyone has access to the benefits of moving outdoors. Mind Over Mountains supports people struggling with their mental wellbeing by offering group hikes in nature, blending outdoor activity with mindfulness practices. It helps people gain clarity in the mountains, free from pressure.
I chose this race because it is local to me in North Wales, which reduces the travel footprint. I will be fuelling with homemade fat bombs in beeswax wraps, plus bananas, and racing in ten-year-old and second-hand kit—because it still works. I will wear my Green Runners badge with pride. Remembering why I am doing it—to raise awareness for mental health and protect the places I love—will keep me going.
Why I am a Green Runner
I am a Green Runner because I experience a deep joy when running in nature.
I know that only by respecting the world and taking collective responsibility can we continue to enjoy our running. By working together, we can help shape a better world.
You can follow Elis’ journey or donate below
Strava: elisparry
Blog: elisparry.github.io
Fundraiser: justgiving.com/page/elis-parry-ring-of-hope
Want to share your own journey? Get in touch!