Leave no trace: Can trail running save the world?

As the world grapples with the reality of climate change, could trail running and its nature-loving global community be part of the solution?

Words by Iain Fuller. Photography by Alessandro Simone and Mountain Legacy.

The runners who come here, they’ll all become ambassadors for trail running. And inevitably they’ll realize that we need to continue to protect these places. To love and take care of them.

Karel Sabbe

When Karel Sabbe reclaimed his Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2023, seven short years after his initial record, the landscape had been transformed due to the effects of climate change. He witnessed first-hand the devastation left by wildfires, flooded river crossings and a fast-disappearing ice pack.

But it’s not just adventurers in the wilderness who are noticing these changes. From athletes to scientists, it’s something we're all seeing and it’s increasingly touching every part of our lives.

The mountains are powerful. They bring you energy. Make you feel alive. They also teach you about life. They teach you to be true. How to survive. And they teach you a lot about yourself. Who you really are.

Liv Sansoz

In 2024, amidst one of the most epic summers of sporting action ever – a true testament to the human spirit's enduring capacity for greatness – we ask the question: can, and should, the sporting world play a more active role in addressing the environmental challenges of our time?

So, before the world converged at New York Climate Week, in the mountains surrounding Chamonix on the run-up to the world’s largest celebration of ultra running, we brought together a panel of experts to ask some simple questions – with some not-so-simple answers.

Trail running allows you to feel nature. The more people experience nature – the more they are in it – the more they will want to protect it.

Henrique Nigro

Featuring leading voices from the world of mountaineering, running, environmental science and product innovation, our panel focused specifically on the intricate relationship between trail running and the environment. By examining everything from its current impact to the challenges ahead, they sought to discover if trail running’s passionate global community could be a force for good in the fight against climate change.

Joining us in the shadow of Mont Blanc were:

Liv Sansoz. A renowned mountain guide and world champion climber, Liv has climbed some of the most challenging peaks on Earth – including all 82 summits above 4,000 meters in the Alps – while inspiring others to take action for a sustainable future through her work with Protect Our Winters.

Karel Sabbe. Family man, dentist and ultra running royalty, Karel is a Barkley Marathon finisher and holds speed records on the PCT, Appalachian Trail and Via Alpina. He’s also a vocal champion for those communities – and their landscapes.

Trail running is intimately related to the environment. And trail runners tend to be passionate about the environments they run in. Which means trail running presents a unique opportunity to share that passion; to show why these environments are worth protecting.

Dr. Ella Gilbert

Dr. Ella Gilbert. An award-winning scientist, self-confessed cloud nerd and all-round polar enthusiast, Ella strongly believes that those working on existential challenges like climate change have a duty to communicate their work.

Henrique Nigro. Product Strategy Lead at On with over a decade of experience in the outdoor industry, Henni knows the space and the products better than anyone. He’s also the perfect person to talk about On’s dedication to principle-driven design.

Abby Storer. Our host for the day, an avid trail (and ultra) runner, coach, nutritionist, podcaster and, most importantly, lover of all things outdoors. Which is why we thought she’d be the perfect person to lead this conversation.

Sometimes, as a nature lover, it can all feel overwhelming. But what works for me on a personal level is to pick up that piece of trash. It’s going to have way less of an impact than skipping a flight, but I need those small, positive vibes to stay positive.

Karel Sabbe

Even for experts, this topic can feel vast and, at times, unnavigable. But, through action, education, and by harnessing our collective strength, we can make a difference.

When we’re talking about climate change, it’s a global problem. We can all do our bit. But, individual action is only part of the story. To really combat the issue it takes a community approach – a worldwide community approach.

Dr. Ella Gilbert

While it’s clear that there are no easy answers – it's also clear that the responsibility for addressing this global challenge doesn’t rest on singular actions. Instead, it’s all about raising awareness and affecting positive change for the better. As a collective. And as a community.