9th April 2010 02:04
Ronald Veerbeek, CEO of the international road race, is excited about European Athletics' new initiative.
'This is a very positive step for the sport. European Athletics can communicate with all European athletics event organisers and will now serve as a key leader of sustainability in sport.'
The partnership between the Seven Hills Run and European Athletics will add significant value to improving the green footprint of athletics as a whole.
Seven Hills already occupies a leadership position on sustainability and has successfully implemented a number of initiatives in their event.
Veerbeek is most excited about the opportunity to populate the SSET to spread the news about his race's proven measures and to help other race organisers.
'As an event organiser, the tool offers us the chance to communicate with a number of participants to make an environmental change. We are one of the first green events and the SSET makes implementation easier and gives clear examples to all other organisers.'
The Seven Hills Run made a commitment to sustainability when the event began in 1984, a pioneering route which was strategically chosen to enhance the complete image of the event.
'Running is green in general, but looking at the events, you cannot say the same. You can't just talk about being sustainable, you have to put real energy toward it. Small changes can make big cost and environmental impacts and can, as we have seen, increase media attention, attract new sponsors, and completely enhance your image,' Veerbeek said.
In 2008, during the race's 25th Anniversary, the Seven Hills Foundation set forward with a new slogan, proclaiming the Seven Hills Run to be the most sustainable event in the Netherlands.
The organising committee has lived up to this self-proclaimed title.
In 2009, over 15,000 participants used the train to reach Nijmegen with a reduced-fare ticket offered to runners for 5 euros. The profit from this extra charge is spent on wind energy, in a project called 'Seven Hills Mills.'
Other initiatives including organic catering, removal of 180,000 paper brochures and 25,000 goodie bags, reduced medal distribution, eco-cotton t-shirts and the separation of waste and recycling have all led to a reduced carbon footprint.
Veerbeek had one final piece of advice for event organisers.
'There is not one magical recipe for every event. Each event needs to look at what is best for them, most logical, and most cost-effective. Start by choosing one area and moving forward.'
More than 20,000 runners take part in the event each year, which spans 15 kilometres and will take place on 21 November 2010.