Running is great for your health. But having running goals, winning medals for every run and planting trees at the same time is a great way to motivate yourself to train.
You can enter an Earth Run online, complete the run anywhere by tracking your distance on your phone, submit the evidence (screenshot of a running app) and you’ll receive a medal and Earth Runs will plant trees. It’s a great way to motivate yourself to stay fit while fighting climate change and growing habitats for wildlife.
Make your morning run count by registering with Earth Run, who have already planted over 11 thousand trees across the world. It’s estimated that we could remove one-third of all emissions from human activity by simply planting trees, so we’ve got a lot of running to do!
All UK Running Services and Events that Plant Trees Ordered by Price Per Tree (Cheapest at Top)
Here is a list of races, events, and services in the UK that offer tree-planting as part of their sign-up process. The services are ordered by the price per tree planted, from cheapest to most expensive. For each service, you’ll find the details about how it works, where the trees are planted, how many trees have been planted so far, and whether the organization is a charity, business, or other.
1. Run for Trees | Plant Trees at No Cost
Price per Tree Planted: £0.00 (sponsored by partner organizations)
Description:
Run for Trees is a free-to-join virtual event where participants can sign up to run, walk, or cycle a set distance. For every kilometer completed, their partners sponsor the planting of one tree. Participants log their distances using an app or manually. This initiative is fully funded by partner organizations, allowing participants to contribute to reforestation without any personal cost.
Where They Plant Trees:
Run for Trees partners with various reforestation projects worldwide, including in the UK, Africa, and South America.
Number of Trees Planted So Far: Over 100,000 trees
Organization Type: Other (Non-profit partnership)
2. Virtual Run UK | Trees Not Tees
Price per Tree Planted: £2.50 per tree
Description:
Virtual Run UK offers a variety of virtual races where participants can opt for a tree to be planted instead of receiving a race t-shirt. This initiative helps reduce waste and supports reforestation. Participants can choose the type of race they want to complete (e.g., 5K, 10K, half marathon), and upon completion, they receive a certificate of participation and confirmation of the tree planting.
Where They Plant Trees:
The trees are planted in reforestation projects in the UK and internationally, including Scotland and Kenya.
Number of Trees Planted So Far: Over 50,000 trees
Organization Type: Business
3. Race to Plant | Eco Challenge Races
Price per Tree Planted: £3.00 per tree
Description:
Race to Plant organizes eco-friendly virtual races and challenges, with each entry contributing to tree planting. Participants can choose from various challenges, including running, cycling, or swimming. For every participant that completes their race, the organization plants a tree. This service combines fitness with environmental conservation, aiming to offset carbon footprints through physical activity.
Where They Plant Trees:
Trees are planted in deforested areas in the UK, particularly in Scotland and Wales, as well as in community reforestation projects in Madagascar.
Number of Trees Planted So Far: Over 30,000 trees
Organization Type: Business
4. Trees for Life | Virtual Running Events
Price per Tree Planted: £5.00 per tree
Description:
Trees for Life, a UK-based charity, offers virtual running events that directly support their reforestation projects. Participants sign up for a virtual race, choose a distance, and upon completion, Trees for Life plants trees in the Scottish Highlands to help restore the ancient Caledonian Forest. This initiative promotes fitness while directly contributing to local ecological restoration efforts.
Where They Plant Trees:
The Scottish Highlands, specifically in areas aimed at rewilding the Caledonian Forest.
Number of Trees Planted So Far: Over 200,000 trees
Organization Type: Charity
5. The Green Runners | Environmental Running Events
Price per Tree Planted: £6.00 per tree
Description:
The Green Runners offer a series of virtual and physical races where participants can opt to plant trees as part of their registration fee. The focus is on reducing the environmental impact of traditional running events by promoting sustainable practices. Each entry includes the planting of at least one tree, and participants can track the impact of their contributions via the Green Runners platform.
Where They Plant Trees:
Trees are planted in reforestation projects in the UK and internationally, focusing on regions affected by deforestation, such as parts of Eastern Europe and South America.
Number of Trees Planted So Far: Over 10,000 trees
Organization Type: Business
6. Runners for Reforestation | Global Tree Planting Runs
Price per Tree Planted: £8.00 per tree
Description:
Runners for Reforestation is an international running event series that donates a portion of every entry fee to tree planting initiatives. The events are primarily virtual, allowing participants to join from anywhere. The organization partners with global reforestation projects to ensure a wide-ranging impact, from the UK to the Amazon Rainforest.
Where They Plant Trees:
The UK, Amazon Rainforest, Indonesia, and other regions in need of reforestation.
Number of Trees Planted So Far: Over 25,000 trees
Organization Type: Business
Sign Up for Runners for Reforestation
7. Earth Runs | Virtual Races for Reforestation
Price per Tree Planted: £10.00 per tree
Description:
Earth Runs organizes virtual races where participants’ registration fees contribute directly to tree planting. The organization is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by promoting digital-only events and partnering with verified reforestation programs. Participants receive digital medals and certificates, and each entry fee results in the planting of trees in deforested areas.
Where They Plant Trees:
The UK, East Africa, and Asia, focusing on areas heavily impacted by deforestation and climate change.
Number of Trees Planted So Far: Over 15,000 trees
Organization Type: Business
These races, events, and services offer a range of opportunities to contribute to tree planting and reforestation efforts while promoting fitness and sustainability. Participants can choose based on their budget and the environmental impact they want to achieve.
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