Becoming Environmentally Responsible

The realization of the environmental impact of my marathon travels came into sharp focus against my childhood commitment to resource conservation. Growing up, I was always mindful of the importance of preserving our planet's resources. This ethos stayed with me into adulthood. As I got more into marathon running, I traveled to races in different places and realized this travel was unsustainable for the environment, especially when considering the number of athletes traveling to each event. This awareness galvanized my desire to find a balance between my passion for running and my commitment to environmental stewardship.

I was inspired to act on this desire after reading William MacAskill's "What We Owe the Future." It struck me profoundly that impactful actions, like donating to the right causes, could far outweigh the lifetime sum of smaller environmental efforts. This shifted my focus to meaningful contributions. It encouraged me to find initiatives that offer significant environmental benefits.

When I first began my sustainability journey, I naively believed I could easily quantify the environmental impact of a major event like the New York Marathon with a few quick online searches. As I dove deeper, I was amused to find myself entangled in the complexities of carbon emissions calculations. Each provider had their unique methodology. It dawned on me that this wasn't a simple arithmetic problem, but a scientific challenge. It required significant expertise to navigate. I realized that making a real difference begins with understanding the intricate realities of the problems we aim to solve. After weeks of research and dedication, my team and I did finish the calculations for the New York Marathon. You can find our report here: 2023 New York City Marathon Travel-Related Carbon Footprint Analysis.

To start my project, I first measured the carbon footprint of my marathon travels this year, which amounted to around 900kg of CO2. I was inspired by Kilian Jornet's partnership with Climeworks, and decided to follow suit, arranging to offset my own emissions from the four marathons I ran, including Houston and Boston. It became clear that balancing my passion for running with my commitment to the environment would be crucial, leading me to this sustainable initiative.

I've been deeply inspired by the actions of world-class trail runners like Kilian Jornet and Xavier Thevenard. Their commitment reminds us that significant environmental stewardship can start with a single, strong personal resolution. Observing Xavier's and Kilian’s purposeful strides towards environmental conservation has greatly influenced my approach. I aim to merge endurance sports with ecological responsibility. Their passion has shaped my endeavors. It also underscores the importance of individual action in the broader environmental landscape.

What I’ve Learned so Far

While preparing for the World Marathon Challenge, I have learned so much in this world of sports and environmental responsibility, both from encouragement and criticism.

• As I engaged with experts on sustainability topics, specifically regarding sustainable reforestation and carbon footprint estimations related to travel, their openness and willingness to discuss their research—despite their busy schedules—was quite remarkable and enlightening.

• I’ve learned that the practical application of sustainability requires a deeper, more nuanced understanding, than my engineering background provided me.

• I underestimated the breadth of skills and effort needed for fundraising. This task is not just about having a noble cause. It involves detailed strategizing, compelling storytelling, and a robust network.

• Advocating for environmental causes while participating in World Marathon Challenge opens me up to scrutiny, teaching me the importance of transparency and ensuring each initiative has a clear, positive impact.

• The importance of rigorous vetting and selection of environmental initiatives can’t be understated, as I learned while navigating a space where financial incentives sometimes overshadow genuine impact.

• We needed a streamlined, user-friendly system to ensure that donor goodwill translated efficiently into action.

All of these challenges have been pivotal, ensuring each step in this project is thoughtful and effective. The things we’ve learned from them have shaped the project's trajectory. As we meet each challenge, our project gains focus, effectiveness, and momentum as move towards the future, not just of the World Marathon Challenge, but of a greener, more sustainable planet.