Registrations now open for the world’s only Tree-Athlon!
London, Battersea Park - Saturday 18th September
Manchester, Heaton Park – Saturday 2nd October
Barefoot runners will be kick starting the 2010 Tree-Athlon events in London and Manchester.
Today, the independent environmental charity, Trees for Cities, is urging people to do their bit for the environment, by running a ‘Tree-Athlon’ this Autumn.
Now in its sixth year, the Tree-Athlon is a three part event, which includes a 5km run, the chance to make a tree wish and the opportunity to take home your very own sapling to plant. The aim is to raise funds for the planting and care of thousands of trees across the UK and internationally.
The 2010 Tree-Athlon plans to be bigger and better than ever before! Both races will consist of three groups: runners, barefoot runners and buggy sprinters, making it a perfect opportunity to gather friends and family for a big day out, to celebrate trees and raise money for urban trees.
In London, Ben Fogle and Tom Aikens will be teaming up to lead a Tree-Athlon barefoot run, whilst parents are also being encouraged to take part in a buggy run.
Michelin Star Chef, Tom Aikens, says: “I am thrilled to be starting this year’s Tree-Athlon in London and leading the first ever barefoot run around Battersea Park! Trees and urban vegetation are so important – from brightening up grey city streets, to perking up community spaces and ‘edible’ school playgrounds. Let’s plant the seeds, nurture them and watch them grow.”
Presenter, Writer and Adventurer, Ben Fogle, says: “I strongly support Trees for Cities' work and I am a true believer that we all need more green spaces in cities and healthier surroundings. Being part of the barefoot run at the Tree-Athlon with Tom Aikens is fantastic, and I can’t wait to see more trees planted in our cities as a result!”
The event is in partnership with Festival Republic, Manchester City Council and Magic FM, and is being supported by Thames Water, CBS Outdoor, Red Rose Forest, Palo Alto, Stewed, Eat Natural and Together Drinks.
So fancy getting fit and helping our cities to breathe? Do your bit and start your tree-loving training!
Register now: tree-athlon@treesforcities.org & www.tree-athlon.org
All media enquiries:
Inna Costantini: 0207 820 4428; inna@treesforcities.org
Stephen Gray: 0207 820 4428 stephen.gray@treesforcities.org
Notes to Editors
1. Trees for Cities is an independent charity that plants trees and re-landscapes public spaces in urban areas of greatest need. The charity’s vision is to stimulate a greening renaissance in cities around the world that will impact on global warming and beautify the urban landscape, as well as encouraging greater social cohesion through the active participation of local people. A special effort is made to involve children and young people in all of the projects. The public can get involved by sponsoring trees, registering as a volunteer, enrolling in training programmes, taking part in the Tree-Athlon and going to fundraising parties – see www.treesforcities.org for more information.
2. All funds raised from the Tree-Athlon will go towards tree planting projects in London, UK cities and beyond. Money raised in previous years went towards the creation of outdoor classrooms in London schools, planting new woodland plots in Leeds, a community orchard in Manchester, continuing native tree conservation projects in Peru, training local women in tree conservation in Ethiopia, and planting thousands more trees in Nairobi to help reforest the city.
