To some, the idea of finding one’s self on a steep and narrow dirt trail on a windswept ridge high in the Rocky Mountains is a ludicrous notion. For others, it’s something to train for by day and dream about by night.
TransRockies events are known worldwide for their unparalleled epic nature – journeys so breathtaking and rewarding that many participants come back year after year, often bringing friends with them. These folks know something the average person does not; that the great outdoors are full of wild possibility and unequalled challenge that cannot be harnessed but only borrowed in brief moments, and only for an adventurous few.
At its heart, the TransRockies organization is an advocate of wild places. We know that accessing remote and untamed terrain is a privilege that comes with responsibilities, and we strongly believe in not only treading lightly in the places we visit, but also actively contributing to their continued protection and well-being. We also believe that awareness and appreciation for such places can be attained and strengthened through events such as the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run, which abides by and promotes the recreational principles laid out by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
In its inaugural year, the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run defined a new standard in epic running adventure in North America – one that gives participants a spectacular taste of Colorado’s backcountry without compromising the sensational rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Our aim is to ensure this legacy continues for years to come.
As part of our annual planning, TransRockies seeks out community-based organizations in the vicinity of our events that share similar values in the areas of environmental sensitivity and responsibility in outdoor pursuits.
For 2009, the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run is very excited to be working with The Continental Divide Trail Alliance – a nonprofit organization whose mission is to construct, manage and preserve the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail, a portion of which is in the TransRockies Run.
This non-motorized public backcountry trail along North America’s spine, which will run uninterrupted between the Canadian and Mexican borders upon completion, is part of the American National Scenic Trails network and considered a national landmark. Through its significant resources and the assistance of volunteers and public and private partnerships, the CDTA’s aim is to develop an appreciation and enjoyment of America’s natural lands through access to the trail and its surrounding environments. With world-class education and outreach programming, the CDTA is continually building support for the long-term sustainability of not only the trail itself, but the surrounding ecosystems and the wildlife that call them home.
As the Official Charitable Partner of the 2009 event, the CDTA will work with the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run on community initiatives during race week in August to promote responsible trail use and outdoor recreation. Additionally, the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run has signed an agreement to become a major donor to the Continental Divide Trail’s 30th Anniversary celebrations this year through a cash donation and an optional $100 per-athlete donation during the online registration process. TransRockies strongly encourages race participants to donate as a way of giving back to the generous communities that make the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run possible, and to ensure the long-term viability of the spectacular Continental Divide Trail.
As part of the partnership agreement, the CDTA will ensure proper maintenance of CDT sections included in this year’s TransRockies race prior to the event, including removal of deadfall and completion of repair work to prevent shortcutting, and will sweep the race route in these areas afterwards, providing general cleanup and repair of minor trail damage.
For more information on this partnership, click here.
For more information on the CDTA, click here.
When it comes to producing world-class adventure races, no detail is too big or too small for consideration. In fact, with events as large as the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run it’s often the smaller details that have the biggest impact on overall success.
Environmental considerations fall into both categories –the principle of treading lightly is applied to all aspects of planning, from something as large as route planning to as small as ensuring there are adequate recycling bins. Ensuring the event’s footprint is small and sustainable is a continuous process; with every new development comes a review of the potential impacts and a plan to eliminate or mitigate environmental stresses.
Examples of environmental considerations for the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run:
- Course routing takes into account environmental sensitivities such as hunting season, rutting/birthing periods for wildlife and fragile ecosystems, aiming to avoid congested periods of human use in specific areas and delicate habitat for wildlife
- Portable toilets and garbage bins are placed at ckeck points along the route for participant and crew use, and runners are required to pack out any solid waste, toilet paper and hygiene products between control stations
- Bear-proof garbage bins and recycling facilities are readily available at the daily stage camps
- Mobile shower truck stores grey (used) water and disposes of it at proper facilities each day
- Athlete transfers are offered to the race start and from the race finish to a central location to cut down on individual automobile use, lowering overall CO2 emissions for the race and reducing the footprint of the race in local communities
- Bus transfers from the finish line to the staging camp are kept to a minimum wherever possible to cut down on local traffic congestion and CO2 emissions
- Wilderness staging camps are set up only in areas of natural durability and campfires are only permitted in existing pits or stoves
- Natural objects in wilderness staging areas are left where they are found – nothing is moved to accommodate the camp
- All trash and recyclable material along the race course and in camps is packed out and disposed of properly, and both the race course and camps are swept thoroughly after use for litter, flagging/signage and minor damage in need of repair
- Route marking is done with a combination of biodegradable flagging tape, non-toxic spray chalk and arrow signs with the event logo, and all signage is removed after the race
Environmental Rules for Participants:
- Take only pictures, leave only footprints
- Runners are required to pack out any solid waste, toilet paper, hygiene products and garbage between control stations and dispose of in garbage bins
- Absolutely no shortcutting of trails
- No food is allowed in tents overnight – a secure storage truck is available
- Absolutely no pacers or outside supporters permitted on the course other than approved race staff, except in designated areas with the infrastructure to support larger crowds and extra vehicles
- Runners are required to use provided shoe baths, per U.S. Forest Service regulations, at designated finish areas to prevent cross-contamination of watersheds and the spread of waterborne diseases that are harmful to aquatic animals
Littering, cutting trails and environmental abuse are enforced with stiff penalties. Every participant who is caught disregarding the environment will be fined with a two-hour time penalty it first offense and disqualification at second offense.
In the case of environmental and safety concerns, TransRockies organizers have the right to make changes to the route on short notice due to fire bans/closures, extreme weather, wildlife concerns, unforeseen construction or other circumstances beyond our control. TransRockies reserves the right to cancel, delay or re-route the race.
In addition to enforceable rules, TransRockies makes an effort to share some environmentally conscience ideas with its participants to aid in lessening the overall impact of the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run on the environment and surrounding communities.
Some examples:
- Carpool to and from the race if possible, or make use of the transfers provided, to minimize your carbon footprint. Using an airport shuttle service will have less impact than a personal vehicle.
- Purchase goods and services in the communities along the race route (for example, groceries) where possible, to support the economies that welcome us and to lower your individual carbon footprint by not transporting goods great distances that can easily be bought locally.
- Consider your neighbors – both human and animal – in staging camps and communities and keep noise to a minimum.
- Remember, TransRockies events are fully supported. While we welcome family and friends, you don’t need them to follow the event to have all the support you need. Encourage your family and friends to attend the start and finish only. This will help to minimize the cumulative impact at TransRockies camps
|
