Green Trail Concept (GTC), an Erasmus+ is partnering with Zegama-Aizkorri mendi maratoia, one of the most iconic trail races in the world, to develop a tool that helps organizers implement best sustainability practices.
Green Trail Concept’s certification
The Green Trail Concept Certification Tool is an interactive and intuitive tool that allows race organizers to assess their sustainability performance in three key areas: environmental, social, and economic.
The tool doesn’t just evaluate; it also guides. Regardless of the score obtained, every race has room for improvement, and the tool provides personalized recommendations to help organizers optimize sustainability practices and protect the rural and mountain ecosystems and local communities where these events take place.
The tool has now been developed and has gone through its initial testing phases. Organizers and sustainability experts have had the opportunity to explore its design and usability.
This spring, the tool will be tested in real-life conditions at two significant events: Österlen Spring Trail and Zegama-Aizkorri mendi maratoia. These pilot tests will provide crucial information to refine the certification system before its official launch.
GTC at Zegama 2025
On the weekend of May 24-25, the GTC team will be present at Zegama’s event with the goal to present and test the certification tool and raise awareness about sustainable trail running practices. We have collaborated closely with Zegama team, providing feedback to enhance and refine the certification scheme.
Runners and audiences will have the opportunity learn about the certification tool and how to contribute to the sustainability efforts, and organizers will even have the chance to test it firsthand.
Live Testing at Zegama
Beyond showcasing the certification tool, GTC will be running a live test of the system during the Zegama race itself. With Zegama’s expertise and its commitment to sustainability, the 67 indicators developed by GTC will be put to the test in a real-world setting. The insights gathered from this pilot test will be used to refine and improve the certification, ensuring that it is both practical and impactful for the trail running community.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainability
This partnership is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GTC and Zegama, reinforcing both organizations’ commitment to sustainable event management. Zegama will actively participate in refining the certification tool, providing feedback and data to enhance its effectiveness. In return, GTC will support Zegama in implementing sustainable practices and increasing awareness within the trail running community.
By working together, GTC and Zegama aim to set a new standard for sustainability in trail running, ensuring that future races respect and protect the natural environments in which they take place.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this change! Join us at the GTC stand in Zegama on May 24-25 and discover how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future for trail running.
What is Green Trail Concept?
It is a European Union initiative funded by the Erasmus+ program and led by a consortium of four organizations: Ecoserveis Association, the Kilian Jornet Foundation, GRID-Arendal, and A Different Path Sport Events AB. The project aims to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability practices among organizers, runners and audiences in trail running events through the development of a certification system.
