The Stur Half
…our mission to create a sustainable event…
Making our races more sustainable…
We are runners who are as passionate about the world we live in as we are about our running.
In 2023 we were concerned that the usual race mementos were not sustainable, and we wanted to try something different. The seed medal was a trial and we loved the concept. Everything relating to the seed medal was produced in the UK.
We want this to grow further and this year we will be looking at other ways we can help each other and our planet.
This year we are planning on giving Wooden Medals to all our finishers
Focusing on social sustainability…
As event organisers and volunteers, we want to ensure we are also giving back to the local community.
It is important to remember that sustainability includes social as well as environmental responsibilities – giving back to the community has multiple benefits for everyone involved!
The Dorset Doddlers race team want to ensure that there are social benefits for the race participants too.
Not only do we want to encourage people to run and enjoy being out in the fresh air in a supportive and friendly environment, which is what we hope our races create. We try to keep our race fees low so that the event is accessible to anyone who wants to give it a go.
We also share and loan out our race kit (signs, PA system etc.) to other smaller races, to help reduce their costs.
The Dorset Doddlers are a friendly club, and we like to bring people together and help their physical and mental wellbeing through running and being part of a running family.
Save money by car sharing to the Stur Half…
Due to our rural location, there is no public transport available over the weekends meaning most participants need to travel to us by car.
We are looking at how you and our race can benefit by helping each other. Car sharing is environmentally friendly, should make it easier to park and also on the journey home you can discuss your race with a fellow runner.
There also might be the possibility of offering discounted race fees to those who share transport or arrive by foot or bike.
Your unwanted kit can help others…
We are also encouraging runners and spectators to donate unwanted new and nearly-new running kit to a drop off area at the race, which can then be passed on to local charities.
It feels good to help others and we will be working with the The Vale Pantry here in Sturminster Newton to help others get fit and into running without costing them a lot.
Ongoing sustainable challenges…
We have now made the transition to paper cups for our renowned Stur Half water stations to ensure that these can all be recycled.
There are still some challenges which we are looking to tackle in the future to improve the sustainability of our events and our carbon footprint.
