A runner from Bristol is in training for world plogging championship – which involves picking up litter while jogging. The environmental and fitness trend is an initiative across the world which originated in Sweden in 2016 – and is now growing popularity in the UK.
Later this year four Britons – Claire Petrie from Bristol, Cherrelle Amo and Luke Douglas-Home from London and Chris Broadbent from Devon will be heading to Genoa to compete in the World Plogging Championships. Teams compete against each other to run the farthest and pick up the most rubbish.
One of the members of team GB Claire Petrie, 48, recently kick-started her training with community events in Bristol. Claire, who is a personal trainer, said: “I love that you help the environment, the planet and meet new people.
“I am really passionate about how you can interspace health and working. We want to grow plogging in as many cities as possible.”
The four members of the GB team are supported by the environmental organisation, A Future Without Rubbish, and the charity, Planet Earth Games.
The GB Plogging Team recently kick-started their training with community events in Bristol, London and Exeter. Members of public have been encouraged to get involved – regardless of fitness levels.
Claire who co-ordinates monthly plogging sessions in Horfield, Bristol said: “We advertise it all on Facebook where we tell everyone where to meet.
“We run 2k and then we stop and litter pick a certain area and then we leave all the bags by the bins. Then I contact the council to collect them. And then we run back. We try to run 4k. It is very enjoyable and we make sure everyone is welcomed.”
In the past year, Claire’s group – which has on average 9 people joining in – collected 100 kilograms of litter.
“In the future we want to expand and do different areas in Bristol,” added Claire. To keep the competition as green as possible the team will avoid travelling on a plane – by getting the train to Genoa.
The World Plogging Championships started in Italy in 2021. It takes place on paved paths and roads according to the principles of trail running and mountain running.
Luke Douglas-Home, founder of A Future Without Rubbish, has been ‘plogging’ for many years, covering the UK’s coastline and canals.
Speaking about the plogging events, Luke says: “I hope these city plogging events inspire others to get involved.
“Collecting rubbish and putting it in the bin is a tiny action – something we can all do, and it’s this idea of working together than has such an impact. It’s not just about running; it’s about making a tangible positive long-term impact on our planet.”
Chris Broadbent, Founder, Planet Earth Games, host of monthly plogging events said: “People are looking for a way to contribute to a healthier environment and plogging is the perfect activity to make an immediate impact and support your own physical and mental wellbeing with like-minded people.”