Working together with Zegama to test our certification tool

Fotos by David Ariño (@_avisuals)

Last weekend, the Green Trail Concept (GTC), the Kilian Jornet Foundation, and Ecoserveis Cultura Energètica were on the ground at one of the most iconic trail running events in the world: Zegama-Aizkorri. More than just a race, Zegama is a celebration of passion, community, and respect for the mountains. As the saying goes, “Zegama is Zegama.”

This year marked an exciting milestone in our collaboration with the Zegama team. After months of joint work fine-tuning the Green Trail Concept Tool, we were able to put it to the test during the event itself, including the pilot implementation of our Certification Scheme.

What makes Zegama particularly special is its proactive approach to environmental responsibility. The race already has a dedicated environmental team that has been instrumental in minimizing its ecological footprint. Their willingness to adopt meaningful changes, many of which other races would find challenging, demonstrates strong leadership in sustainable event management.

Our time in Zegama was intense, insightful, and deeply inspiring. Working side by side with the organizing team to analyze the race’s impact, not only environmentally, but also socially and economically, brought the GTC project to life in a powerful way. 

Testing the tool on-site proved highly valuable, and the feedback from organizers confirmed its potential to help events improve their sustainability practices in a practical, data-driven manner.

The Zegama team has already taken notable steps as part of the GTC Certification Scheme:

• Waste Management: “We’re now separating and selectively collecting waste. We weigh it at the main square and further sort it to improve recyclability.”
• Transportation Improvements: “We’ve identified transportation as a key issue. This year, we introduced shuttle services to bring spectators to iconic parts of the course. It’s a way to reduce vehicle traffic and prevent overcrowding in natural areas.”

We also hosted a public workshop during the event to engage runners and spectators. The goal was to raise awareness about the GTC project and collect feedback, and the response exceeded our expectations. Participants overwhelmingly agreed that sustainability must become a priority in trail running, especially as the sport continues to grow rapidly. Many felt the GTC should become a standard for organizers worldwide.

Want to see what it really felt like to be in Zegama? A short documentary and visual story page capturing our time there, are coming soon!

The weekend in Zegama was a reminder of how powerful collaboration can be. When communities, organizers, and sustainability experts come together, real change is possible. We’re proud to be part of this journey and look forward to what’s ahead.