The Creation of the Green Athlete Principle

“To Ensure that the environment is better for you having participated in this event”

Real Involvement = Tangible Effect

Environmental Actions

Awareness Campaign

• Environmental awareness promoted in all event competitor and media communication.
• Institution of environmental race rules.

Management of Hydro Footprint

• Banning of non-biodegradable detergents for ablutions
• Use and promotion of environmentally friendly products
• Utilization of water efficient mobile ablution units.
• Banning of non-biodegradable bike lubricants.
• Quantification of water use for future reduction plans.

Waste Management

• Waste management unit for separation of recyclables.
• Quantification of waste generation for future reduction plans.

Green Charity

Leopard & Predator Conservation. The charismatic  leopard is the top predator species in the mountainous regions of the Cape of South Africa.

They are increasingly coming into conflict with farmers who use lethal methods of predator control. Although they are not officially classified as endangered, the leopard populations are becoming so isolated that they may not be genetically viable for much longer.

Magnetic South supports rescue and rehabilitation projects, researching the local leopard population and their movements in order to demonstrate the scale of the problem.

The environmental impact of trail running

Trail runners do not have a significant difference in impact on the environment to that that hikers do. Because trail runners move considerably faster through an area, the impact per person per unit of time on a particular area is possibly less than that of hikers. The actual erosive impact of running on a trail does not differ significantly from hiking on the trail. Littering is strictly forbidden and against Trail running ethos and rules.

An Environmental Officer will oversee the camp sites with a careful view to recycling.

Biodegradable Products:

Very specific attention will be focused on the Eco Friendly aspect of the event with athletes being provided with biodegradable body wash from African Organics, biodegradable bike lube from Squirt, ATV – biodegradable Bike Wash from AC Environmental.

All in all the Southern Storm is about to set the benchmark in GREEN events and enjoy the splendors of a spectacular region with a mix of hard running and riding to provide a truly holistic experience and challenge for all concerned.