The initiative was the idea of race director Leona McConnell and course director Leigh Nobes, who is farm manager at MacGregor Farming Partnership on whose land the race took place, starting and finishing at Whitwell & Reepham Station on Sunday 26 January,
 
Reepham Runners is a small, inclusive running club that has been active for several decades and is growing in membership, as well as having an interest in supporting local incentives and sustainability.
 
The club hosts two races each year and is encouraging other running clubs in Norfolk to reduce plastic at their events.
 
In collaboration with Trees Not Tees, Reepham Runners gave each runner that completed the cross country race an individual tree with a QR code showing where it has been planted.
 
“The cost of a tree is equivalent to that of a medal but it feels so much more than that, as it is a contribution to nature and the future,” said Ms McConnell.
 
The decision to replace medals with tree plantings did not appear to reduce the number of entrants for the race, and was greeted with applause on the start line of the event, which is renowned for mud and supportive marshals, and in which 12 junior runners (11−16 years) also participated.
 
This year 144 trees will be planted. Some of the proceeds from the race will also go towards Reepham & District Rotary Club’s Sunshine Memory Café for those living with memory loss and their carers.
 
Compostable cups were used at the race finish line for water and these will be given to a local school for seedlings or another gardening activity. Runners were also reminded that they could bring their own drinks, leaving them at the start/finish line for collection.
 
The only plastic items used at the event were the race numbers. However, next year, with support from the owner of Total Race Timing, who is a club member, unused race numbers from other events will be used to further reduce the impact on the environment.
 
“I wanted to share this story to show how small changes can generate big results,” Ms McConnell added. “We are so proud of what we have achieved in a short space of time, and we aim to strive to do better each year.”
 
The Reepham Summer 10K will be held on Friday evening, 1 August and plans to be as plastic free as possible. Entries are now open online.
 
For any comments, feedback or information on joining Reepham Runners, please contact by email.