You can run to keep yourself healthy, while helping the earth in your own small way! Lace up, go green, and check out these simple ways to make your runs more Earth-friendly and sustainable for the environment.
Every step we take while running can lead us somewhere—toward better health, personal goals, or even peace of mind.
But imagine if every step could also help the planet breathe a little easier.
That’s the heart of Earth Day Run 2025, held just last month. It’s not just about racing to the finish line; it’s about running with purpose—choosing progress that’s personal and planetary.
[ALSO READ: Earth Day Run 2025 aims to unite for sustainability, wellness across Philippines]
One of the 17,000 runners who participated last April 27 was VJ Matias, a United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA)-certified running coach.
For him, running with purpose meant one word--sustainability.
“Sustainable in the sense that if we become consistent in our runs, we become happy,” he shared to One Sports after the race. “And at the same time, if we stay healthy, then we will also help our environment as well.”
Running, after all, is one of the simplest, most accessible ways to reduce our carbon footprint. It doesn’t require fuel, electricity, or fancy machines—just a pair of shoes and the willingness to move.
So how can we apply sustainability to our runs—both in races and in our daily routines?
1. Use reusable hydration gear
Instead of using single-use bottles or cups, consider bringing your own reusable tumbler--which has also experienced its own boom. It also helps bring down the cost of drinks.
During Earth Day Run 2025, participants were given collapsible silicone cups--designed to be refilled in hydration stations in lieu of paper cups, helping cut down race-day waste.
2. Turn errands into short runs
Running doesn’t always have to mean “training.” It can be as simple as jogging to the store or walking to work. These small shifts in routine can help lessen reliance on cars and reduce pollution—exactly what Coach VJ was referring to.
Think of it this way, heading out for an errand or a short commute? Why not consider it as a bit of exercise? Just avoid dehydration and getting a heat stroke in the middle of the Philippines' dry season!
3. Extend the life of your gear
Make the most of your running shoes and clothes by caring for them well and using them for as long as possible. That includes rotating the shoes you wear and storing them properly--which means avoiding extended exposure to direct sunlight. When replacing gear, consider brands that use recycled materials or offer eco-friendly programs.
4. Reduce microplastics in the wash
Running clothes are usually made of synthetic material good at keeping you cool. But these microplastics, including microfibers, can be harmful to the environment--especially in waste water.
But a study posted on the Marine Pollution Bulletin showed that laundry from washing machines release thousands of fibers in every wash. Consider using a microfiber filter whenever you do your laundry.
5. Respect the environment while running
Avoid littering on the road or trails. Bring a small pouch for wrappers or switch to biodegradable energy gels and snacks.
6. Plogging
The San Franciso Marathon blog discussed this term coined and spread by the Swedes. Plogging is the act of actively picking up litter while doing your run.
Hey, it's also a good way to do those squats. Good for the muscles too.
Sustainability isn’t just a goal for runners—it’s a mindset.
From training days to race day, our choices add up. And if we’re consistent, conscious, and community-minded, our runs can do more than make us healthier—they can help the Earth heal too.
“If we stay healthy, we help the environment as well," Matias added.
[ALSO READ: Top runners Edsel Moral, Maricar Camacho share their purpose in Earth Day Run 2025]
So keep yourself healthy by running, while helping the planet—one stride at a time.