The Native Crowd

Thank you so much for agreeing to take part in this interview series on climate change in sports.

Can you tell me about your background and how you’re involved with sports, please?

After a 14-year career in publishing I made the decision to find a career in sport and physical activity. It has always been a passion of mine, a keen sportsman from childhood, I played football, practiced karate, rode my bicycle and latterly took up running. Around 10 years ago, I began to coach. First in running, then also in strength and conditioning. It is this more ‘professional’ aspect that led me to change careers. I now work for 2 Active Partnerships, Active Humber and North Yorkshire Sport, who have the goal of removing barriers to physical activity and getting more people moving.

How important is sustainability to you, and what led you to become interested in this area?

My impact on the environment is something I have been aware of my whole life. Anyone my age has grown up with this information so it is really sad to see us in a state of climate emergency now.

In what ways have you seen the climate emergency affect your sport, both on a local and global scale?

There is absolutely no doubt that winters are wetter and summers are hotter now. A wetter winter with more frequent storms makes off-road running conditions very difficult. Almost all of my running is off-road so this affects me greatly. Hotter summers mean greater risk of sunburn, dehydration and sun stroke.

What steps are you taking personally to reduce your environmental impact?

In my daily life, I consider using my bike or walking for shorter journeys rather than taking the car. This has a greater benefit to my fitness as well as reducing my carbon footprint. There are small things that I do at running events too. I will take a reusable cup to drink from at aid stations and I will pick up any litter I come across along the route.

Can you share any specific examples of events or seasons you know of that have been impacted by extreme weather or environmental changes?

The 2018 Hardmoors 55 that I took part in on the North York Moors is infamous for being caught up in a large snowstorm dubbed ‘the Beast from the East’. The event made the TV news and radio chat shows.

Do you believe the sports industry has a unique role to play in addressing climate change?

Absolutely, as it is both a problem and a solution. There are areas such as sportswear, sports equipment, sports facilities and travel arrangements where the industry has to become more sustainable. On the other hand, active travel and taking part in sports in protected green spaces and out in the countryside are all major positives.

Are there any athletes or sports organisations you admire for their commitment to sustainability?

There are a group of the UK’s very best ultra runners, including Damian Hall and Jasmin Paris, who have set up a community called The Green Runners. Their ethos is that they think every runner can be a green runner. Their four pillars are:

1) How YOU Move;

2) How YOU Kit-up;

3) How YOU Fuel; and

4) How YOU Speak Out.

How can sports events be made more sustainable without compromising on the excitement and engagement they offer fans?

I don’t see how becoming more sustainable would affect any of the excitement and engagement from sports fans. It is just about finding better ways to operate and take part in your sport. The essence of the sport does not have to change.

Do you feel you need more help making sustainable choices?

Undoubtedly being more sustainable can be made easier for the everyday person. If these choices were mainstream for example, they would become much cheaper and more affordable.

What are the cobenefits you envisage in your sport that we could enjoy if we focused more on sustainability? (E.g. improved fan health and mobility, incentivised sustainable travel, improved accessibility/community benefits.)

Exactly, and I have already touched on active travel and the duel benefits of getting places under your own steam. Also, in my sport of ultra running, if we look after the countryside, it will be there for us to enjoy for longer.

How do you think sports fans and participants can be encouraged to engage with sustainability efforts in their daily lives?

It really needs to be an easier choice for people. It needs to be an affordable option then people will choose it.

What future trends do you foresee in the intersection of sports and sustainability?

Once the all-encompassing football industry gets onboard fully then we will start to see some real change.

Huge thanks to Garth for sharing his take on climate change in ultra running. Garth works for North Yorkshire Sport, a charity for movement, activity and sport, and Active Humber. They charity is on a mission to use movement, activity, and sport as a driver for positive change to enable people to fulfil their potential. They work with partners across the county to use physical activity to:

• Promote a carbon-neutral York and North Yorkshire
• Improve quality of life, and people living more healthily for longer
• Create a fairer, more equal, society
• Develop happy and thriving communities

To follow Garth, please see his LinkedIn page or visit the North Yorkshire Sport Ltd and Active Humber websites to find out more.

Please feel free to get in touch with me if you’d like to take part in this series.

Thanks for reading!

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the interviewee. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Marjolein Thickett, The Native Crowd or its affiliates. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Readers are encouraged to explore their own views and to read as much as possible on this topic.