England Athletics & Otrivine partner to help reduce air pollution impact and change the first UK organised race

• In partnership with Otrivine, England Athletics have developed the first Clean Air Guidance to encourage race directors to implement steps that help reduce air pollution for the approximately 1.1 million runners who participate in organised races in the UK every year.[i]
• The Hanley Economic Building Society Potters ‘arf Marathon’ leads the way by being the first UK race to implement the Clean Air Guidance, adapting its course to support runners’ health and raise awareness of air pollution.
• Runners face a higher risk of air pollution exposure due to their increased breathing rate during exercise, potentially leading to greater inhalation of the pollution present in the air.[ii]

A long-standing half marathon in Stoke-on-Trent, has set a new standard in supporting runners’ health as the first race to adopt new Clean Air Guidance written by England Athletics and supported by Otrivine.

Approximately 1.1 million participate in organised races in the UK every year.ⁱ Running in areas with high air pollution can have a potentially detrimental effect on runners’ health and performance.[iii] Stoke-on-Trent has been found to have the highest air pollution in the UK;[iv] one of six cities with pollution levels exceeding the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended limit.^iv

Written in collaboration with race directors, an air quality expert and sports physiologist, the Clean Air Guidance is the first-time governing body England Athletics is encouraging race directors to put practical strategies and recommendations in place when organising race events, and focus on helping reduce air pollution exposure for runners.

Chris Jones, CEO – England Athletics commented: “Running events provide a positive experience for people to come together to enjoy their running, increase awareness of important causes and raise much needed funds for charities and other important campaigns. We recognise that we have an opportunity and arguably an obligation, to promote and action the benefits of cleaner air for runners to enjoy their participation. We are delighted that our forward-thinking race director and organiser network have recognised the importance of this opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and to actively promote the virtues of clean air through this exciting partnership between Otrivine and England Athletics. Together we can forge a cleaner and more sustainable running events community for future generations.”

Research carried out by Otrivine found that 60% of runners would reconsider participating in a race if they knew the air quality was poor.[v] Through the implementation of the new Clean Air Guidance, The Hanley Economic Building Society Potters ‘arf Marathon’ is setting a new standard for races nationwide and taking action to help reduce runners’ exposure to air pollution.

20% of the race route has been changed to avoid high polluted areas including:

• The start line has been moved away from a congested dual carriageway.
• The final mile avoids running alongside the main road and now goes through the Hanley Centre Forest Park.
• Victoria Road will now see both lanes closed an hour before the race.
• The lead car has been changed from a petrol/ diesel vehicle to an electric vehicle.
• Encouraging participants to share transport to and from the venue and reduce the number of vehicles.
• Encouraging participants to use public transport and reduce the number of vehicles.

Fernando Bódalo, VP and Global Lead Respiratory, Haleon commented “Our partnership with England Athletics to introduce the first Clean Air Guidance for races is an important part of our Actions to Breathe Cleaner initiative. We believe everyone has the right to breathe cleaner air. Many people run to improve their health, yet many will be unaware of the hidden threat of air pollution. As individuals we can make choices about when and where we run, but those participating in organised races don’t have that choice. Seeing the first race implement the guidelines marks a significant step towards a future where running events are enjoyable but also support runner’s health and wellbeing.”

The Clean Air guidelines have been launched to the 1,500-strong Race Director community within England Athletics.

Stephen Gunther, Director of Public Health, Stoke-on-Trent City Council said “We are proud to support The Hanley Economic Building Society Potters ‘arf Marathon’, a historic race that welcomes runners of all abilities, from seasoned athletes to those seeking a fun and challenging fitness goal. More than just a race, it’s a vibrant community event that showcases the spirit of our city. As the first race to adapt its course and implement the Clean Air Guidance, the race goes beyond simply crossing a finish line, reminding us that we all share a responsibility for the health of our community. Every step taken is a step towards a healthier future for everyone.”

As part of their Actions to Breathe Cleaner campaign, Otrivine is raising awareness of nine simple actions for runners to follow to help them to continue to enjoy the health benefits of running, whilst helping to protect themselves from the hidden threat of air pollution.  You can read more here: https://www.englandathletics.org/take-part/clean-air-running-with-otrivine/#:~:text=Running%20is%20a%20great%20way,your%20performance%20and%20your%20health.

Check out the England Athletics RIA Alliance Partner profile here  . 

[i] England Athletics. Data on File

[ii] McEvoy, D. Respiratory effects of running in urban areas with high and low ambient air pollution: A scoping review. https://doi.org/10.1080/27658511.2023.2194493. Available at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/27658511.2023.2194493

[iii] Cusick M, Rowland ST, DeFelice N. Impact of air pollution on running performance. Sci Rep. 2023 Feb 1;13(1):1832.

[iv] Young, A. (2023) Stoke-on-Trent has the worst air polluted city centre in the UK, study finds, Express.co.uk. Express.co.uk. Available at: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1843394/top-25-towns-cities-worst-air-pollution-stoke-on-trent (Accessed: 22 August 2024).

[v] ‌Otrivine Clean Air Race Survey. Data on File.