Event organiser, Run For All has announced a new partnership with JogOn, who are all about keeping running shoes out of landfill. Speaking about the partnership, a spokesperson said: "Here at Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, we believe that it is important to recognise the environmental impact that mass participation running events can have on the environment, including the disregard of old running shoes. 

"The partnership will encourage you the runner, to donate any unwanted or old trainers to those in need through this fantastic initiative that JogOn have created."

Founded by JoggingBuddy.com CEO Tony Piedade, JogOn is on a mission to remove 1 million of running shoes from landfill every year. They estimate that over 30 million pairs of shoes are discarded and end up in landfill every year, but many of these shoes have a lot of life left in them.

Where possible, the JogOn Again scheme enables the reuse of unwanted shoes by giving them to those in need, through distribution by partners in eleven hubs around the world. Where reuse is not an option for the shoes they are shredded, and their remains are reused for other purposes.

Launching at the Leeds 10K on Sunday 23 June, those taking part are invited to bring along any unwanted old trainers rather than throwing them out. Drop off stations will be made readily available throughout the Event Village located in Millennium Square. Trainers will then be sent onto the JogOn HQ, ready to be passed on for a new lease of life and redistributed to those who need them most.

Commenting on the partnership, Samantha Kennedy of Run For All said: “Through our runners, we are delighted to be able to support and aid JogOn’s campaign to remove 1 million of trainers from landfill every year. Our running events drive fantastic benefits for those taking part, the wider community and for many local and national charities, however it is important that we acknowledge the environmental impact and that we can do more to minimise that.”

Let 2024 be the year you give your new trainers a new ‘lace of life’ with JogOn! You’ll be helping the planet, but at the same time giving back to someone in need and less fortunate.

Entries are still open for the Leeds 10K, you can find out more at the Run For All website. 

Image: Brooks Running