The power of community and the small actions that create change
Kevin Bowen, leader of TGR’s first Nottingham Local Meet Up and also known under the very apt moniker SuperKev, shares how his pledges across all four pillars helped him take on the Dragon’s Back Race. His story shows how community, creativity, and conscious choices make even the toughest challenges meaningful and manageable.
“I was inspired to join TGR shortly after their launch on Earth Day 2022. As someone who enjoys running on trails I have always felt a strong obligation to look after the countryside. I was also becoming increasingly disillusioned by the excess waste generated by running events and a lack of recognition of the environmental impact. As an individual my ability to influence positive change is limited. TGR provides me with a community that increases my sphere of influence.
Since joining TGR I have pledged against all four pillars. I pledged to repair and buy preloved kit. I have had my trainers resoled and found some amazing preloved bargains on Facebook and Vinted. I work on the railway so I predominantly travel by train for work and leisure. However, I pledged to choose races I could travel to by train. I am incredibly fortunate that my staff discount makes train travel more affordable. How We Fuel was perhaps the biggest challenge for me as I have always been a meat eater. I have now reduced my meat and dairy consumption, replacing dairy milk with oat milk. In terms of speaking out I have joined peaceful protests and helped form TGR’s first Local Meet Up in Nottingham, bringing local members together once a month to help raise TGR’s profile locally.
I recently participated in one of my bucket list races, the Dragon’s Back Race, a 380 km 6-day stage race along the mountainous spine of Wales from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle, covering 16,400 m of ascent.
As you can imagine the kit list for such a challenging event is extensive. I borrowed dry bags from a fellow TGR member. I also used an old headtorch headband to make trekking pole loops which I sewed to an old running pack.
I make homemade energy gel, buying the ingredients in bulk to reduce packaging waste. I bagged up enough for every day which I mixed in camp each evening and poured into a large soft flask. This was my main fuel for each day. All food at the event is either vegetarian or vegan with no meat provided by the organisers at the overnight camps.
I had a TGR badge displayed on both the front and rear of my running pack which sparked several conversations with fellow participants.
I travelled to the event via train the day before the race. I am pleased to report all three of my trains were on time and it was a stress-free, comfortable journey.
Finally, and most importantly, I had a TGR badge displayed on both the front and rear of my running pack which sparked several conversations with fellow participants. I was delighted to meet and chat to fellow TGR members along the course and in camp.”
Why Kev’s story matters
Reading Kev’s reflections, you can almost picture him at camp, stirring up homemade gel in the evening light, or sewing fresh life into an old pack with a bit of ingenuity. It is not about perfection or ticking boxes. It is about the choices we make in the moment, on and off the trail.
And what makes it powerful is that Kev was never running alone. A badge on his pack sparked chats in camp. A train journey set the tone before the first climb. A borrowed dry bag carried more than kit; it carried the weight of community.
So here is the real question: on your next run, what small action will you carry with you?
Want to share your own story with us? We’d love to hear it. Send us your story and inspire other runners in our community.
Thinking of joining us? Becoming a member is the best way to be part of the change. Join The Green Runners and stand with us as we work to make our sport more sustainable.
Ready to make your commitment visible? Our green patch is a simple way to show you’re a proud member of our movement. Get your TGR badge and wear it on your kit.
Photo credit @No Limits Photography