Best practice in the natural environment
Organise responsible and sustainable mountain races
A mountain race represents a significant gathering of people in a sensitive natural environment such as a forest, peak or alpine meadow. And the fact is that, besides the runners, spectators gather at different points along the course, especially at the summits. For a few hours, these places cease to be peaceful and instead become crowded with no proper organisation.
Problems it can cause
Most problems occur during breeding season (spring-summer). These activities often take place in areas sensitive to threatened wildlife.
They can lead to erosion when short-cuts are created to bypass established routes.
Another problem is the accumulation of litter and food waste at refreshment stations and points of interest with higher visitor traffic.
The abandonment of course markings can affect the environment and the safe practice of these activities.
Finally, the noise and disturbance caused by the attending public can disturb wildlife, especially if dogs are brought along.
Best practices
Good organisation can minimise most of the potential problems:
- Gather information about the relevant authorities about the presence of threatened flora and fauna on the route. Modify it if necessary.
- Ensure proper signage along the course so that runners respect the paths. Remove route markings after the race has finished.
- Control the number of runners and spectators to minimise erosion and excessive noise.
- Design a route that uses pre-existing paths. The movement of people involved in a race could consolidate and erode a new alternative path outside the network of official paths.
- Do not allow skidding or shortcuts off the course.
- Define areas where the public can enjoy the race and demarcate sensitive areas for threatened fauna and flora.
- If the race passes through an area with threatened fauna, try to make the public aware of this, and, if accompanied by a dog, ensure that is kept on a leash.
- Set an example and plan for cleaning up the environment! Let’s leave no trace behind.
Associated resources
Video #NaturalBalance: sports in natural areas – DACC
Best practice code for organising mountain races and marches – DACC
Best practise guide for the devolpment of mountain races in protected areas– Europarc
Green Charter – International Trail Running Association
Outdoor Friendly Pledge – Kilian Jornet Foundation
Green footprint seal – FEEC