A team of eco-minded joggers are lacing up for the global plogging championships—a unique combo of litter-picking and jogging. The activity, which was started in Sweden since 2016, is gaining traction over here in the UK.
Later this year, four ploggers—Bristol’s Claire Petrie, Cherrelle Amo and Luke Douglas-Home from London, and Chris Broadbent from Devon—are setting off to Genoa to battle it out in the World Plogging Championships, where contenders vie to run the most distance while scooping up the most litter.
One of Great Britain’s squad members, 48 year old Claire Petrie, who works as a personal trainer, has already jumped into her prep, hosting community plogging events in Bristol. Speaking about her new fitness craze, Claire shared: “I love that you help the environment, the planet and meet new people. I am really passionate about how you can interspace health and working. We want to grow plogging in as many cities as possible.”
Claire’s group has collected 100kg of litter in the past year
The British team is receiving backing from the green group A Future Without Rubbish and the not-for-profit Planet Earth Games. The GB Plogging Team have been hosting social gatherings in Bristol, London, and Exeter to gear up for the event, welcoming those of all fitness levels.
Claire, who supervises monthly plogging meets in Horfield, Bristol, said: “We advertise it all on Facebook where we tell everyone where to meet. We run 2k and then we stop and litter pick a certain area and then we leave all the bags by the bins. Then I contact the council to collect them. And then we run back. We try to run 4k. It is very enjoyable and we make sure everyone is welcomed.”
Over the past year, Claire’s group, which averages nine participants, has collected 100 kilograms of litter. “In the future we want to expand and do different areas in Bristol,” Claire added.
To keep the competition as eco-friendly as possible, the team will avoid air travel, opting instead for a train journey to Genoa. The World Plogging Championships, which began in Italy in 2021, takes place on paved paths and roads, adhering to the principles of trail running and mountain running.
Luke Douglas-Home, founder of A Future Without Rubbish, has been ‘plogging’ for many years, covering the UK’s coastline and canals. Speaking about the plogging events, Luke says: “I hope these city plogging events inspire others to get involved. Collecting rubbish and putting it in the bin is a tiny action – something we can all do, and it’s this idea of working together than has such an impact. It’s not just about running; it’s about making a tangible positive long-term impact on our planet.”
Chris Broadbent, Founder of Planet Earth Games, host of monthly plogging events said:. “People are looking for a way to contribute to a healthier environment and plogging is the perfect activity to make an immediate impact and support your own physical and mental wellbeing with like-minded people.”
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