On the weekendof June 25, 2022, many trail running races will be run around the world, among the first ones that come to mind are the Monterosa Sky Marathon, the Scenic Trail, the Marathon du Mont Blanc, and – of course – the Lavaredo Ultra Trail, in all its distances. Then for overseas race lovers there is the Western States Endurance Run, one of the oldest ultratrail competitions.
But whether you have a bib in your hands or not, June 25 is also the day of Running Up For Air, a challenge that invites participants to run uphill for cleaner air in between one and twenty-four hours.
Running Up For Air was founded in 2012, initiated by Jared Campbell-US ultrarunner-to raise funds to support the fight to improve air quality in the Wasatch Front area of Utah. Since then, the project has become increasingly popular and sees daily support from Patagonia, probably the outdoor brand that most actively fights for the conservation and respect of our planet. The purpose of the project is to raise awareness of the (poor) quality of the air we breathe – on the off chance that we had not already realized this ta ourselves – and to raise funds to support the cause. All donations will go to the 18 environmental associations that campaign for better air quality throughout Europe.
The rules are very simple:
- sign up for the challenge on Strava
- June 25 run at least one hour, wherever you are
- in this hour you do at least 100 m of elevation gain
Then if you happen to be in Milan, Brunico or Bormio you can run in the company of the Patagonia ambassadors and community.
Running and is important. Sharing the initiative with the hasthag #RUFA is as well. But evidently more important than all this is supporting the associations with a donation. Find all the detailed info here.
Good climb.