Running for Clean Air turned out to be a remarkable success, providing valuable data and bringing together fascinating individuals from the running industry at both the Warsaw and national level.

In March 2024, Warsaw Running Tours (WRT) was approached to participate in a groundbreaking project, unprecedented even on a global scale. The initiative aimed to conduct an air quality test over a period, culminating in the Warsaw Marathon.

In its inaugural year, Warsaw was selected alongside Lagos, Nigeria, to participate in this innovative project. World Athletics has been actively involved in various environmental projects to promote sustainability within the sport. They have committed to reducing their carbon footprint by 10% annually and have transitioned to 100% renewable energy at their headquarters.

One notable initiative is their participation in the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework, which supports sports organizations in measuring, reducing, and offsetting their carbon emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. World Athletics also runs campaigns like “Every Breath Counts” to raise awareness about air pollution and its impact on athletes. These efforts reflect World Athletics’ dedication to creating a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future for the sport and its participants.

The involvement of WRT was initially to participate in training sessions and promote the project. However, it quickly became much more than that. From day one, it has been a pleasure to be involved in this initiative by World Athletics.

This project was made even more special by the collaboration with local partners such as biegowe.pl, Maraton Warszawski, the Polish Athletic Association (PZLA) and all oherts involved. Together, they have made significant strides in promoting environmental sustainability through the sport of running.

First training thoughts:

The inaugural event of the "Running for Clean Air" initiative successfully unfolded on Wednesday at Warsaw's Pole Mokotowskie Park. At 7 PM, a cohort of enthusiastic runners were graced with the opportunity to engage in a training session alongside distinguished professionals, including the crème de la crème of Polish long-distance running, Dominika Stelmach and Dariusz Nożyński.

The training commenced with an insightful introductory speech by Marek Tronina, the esteemed director of the Warsaw Marathon. Mr. Tronina elucidated the ethos behind the gathering, highlighting that this endeavor will span until the marathon in September. "Running for Clean Air" is a crusade spearheaded by the Clean Air Fund—a global philanthropic entity championing the cause of pure air in collaboration with World Athletics. The Polish contingent, comprising the Polski Związek Lekkiej Atletyki (Polish Athletic Association), Warsaw Marathon Foundation, and the Municipality of Warsaw, are orchestrating the local engagement. Moreover, Warsaw Running Tours has been heralded as one of the vanguards of this movement.

Nestled within the bustling heart of Poland's capital, a sophisticated sensor dedicated to monitoring air quality has been installed at Pole Mokotowskie Park—a beloved haven for the city's running aficionados.

The training session embarked with a brisk run at a moderate pace, shepherded by Stelmach and Nożyński. Subsequently, participants were bestowed with a rare privilege—a session dedicated to stretching and sprinting under the tutelage of Dominika Stelmach. The day's activities reached their zenith with a stimulating 2-kilometer run, adeptly led by Dariusz Nożyński.

Second training:

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a group of dedicated runners gathered next to Jazdy Polskiej statue at 7 PM. This session was spearheaded by Dariusz Nożyński, one of Poland's most accomplished ultra-marathoners. The evening began with a gentle jog towards the park's heart, weaving past the air quality sensor—a silent sentinel monitoring the health of our environment.

The crux of the training focused on fortifying the core muscles—those vital powerhouses essential for efficient and injury-free running. For approximately 40 minutes, the runners engaged in a series of targeted exercises designed to enhance stability, balance, and endurance. These are the unsung heroes of the runner's anatomy, providing the necessary support for every stride.

After nearly an hour of intense focus, the group embarked on a cool-down jog, returning to their starting point. It was a moment of accomplishment and a chance to say goodbye at the end of the session to Karol, one of the coordinators of the 'Running for Clean Air' initiative—a testament to the collective spirit that fuels this community.

This training offered a rare opportunity to tap into the wealth of knowledge possessed by Darek Nożyński. His insights into the intricacies of the human body and practical advice on gearing up for running events are invaluable. With the next training penciled in for July. Warsaw Running Tours is already buzzing with anticipation for another chance to learn and grow.

August training summary

The "Running for Clean Air" event in August was a remarkable gathering, made even more special by the leadership of the esteemed Mariusz Giżński, who is both a remarkable individual and a professional runner. This session was undoubtedly the best and most enjoyable one to date.

The training kicked off with participants sharing their insights and experiences for the World Athletics project, capturing the essence of the entire initiative. Following this reflective start, Mariusz led the group on an invigorating run through the scenic trails of Pole Mokotowskie Park.

The event concluded with a return to our starting point, where a post-run fitness session commenced. This included a series of sprints, skips, and various exercises recommended by our expert trainer. It presented a fantastic opportunity to forge new friendships and engage with familiar faces from previous meet-ups. The day was not just about physical training but also about building a community united by a passion for running and a commitment to a healthier environment.

Running for Clean Air was a groundbreaking success, uniting key figures from the running industry and providing crucial air quality data. Warsaw Running Tours (WRT) played a role in this innovative project. Supported by World Athletics and local partners, the initiative highlighted the importance of sustainability in sports and showcased the collective effort to promote a cleaner, greener future.

Official website of the project:

https://worldathletics.org/athletics-better-world/air-quality/running-for-clean-air

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Michał Dzida
Director
Warsaw Running Tours