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Burlington Runners Club: Racing for Conservation and Community
For over 15 years, the Burlington Runners Club has partnered with the Hamilton Conservation Foundation (the Foundation) to transform the Sulphur Springs Trail Race into more than just a fitness challenge—it has become a platform for environmental stewardship.
One of their most notable initiatives is the "Green Finish Line," designed to reflect the natural beauty of the trails while reducing plastic waste. In collaboration with Sakura Gardens, the club replaced traditional banners with 30 juniper trees, which are planted throughout the Dundas Valley by Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) staff after the race.
As the club nears the $100,000 milestone in donations to the Foundation, this achievement underscores the importance of community-driven conservation. “Motivation to contribute our conservation efforts comes from knowing that we are doing our part in helping HCA and the Foundation achieve their present and future goals,” the Burlington Runners Club shared.
Beyond the "Green Finish Line," the club has implemented other eco-friendly practices, including a cup-free race weekend, plantable name tags, and rewards for runners who help clean the trails. Their commitment goes beyond conservation—they also strive to foster a strong sense of community. "For the Burlington Runners Club, this achievement reflects a sustained effort and a sense of shared purpose among its members, highlighting their dedication to not only promoting fitness but also fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship,” they said.
Through their collaboration with the Foundation, they are making a lasting impact by ensuring that the Dundas Valley remains a natural treasure for years to come. Their efforts demonstrate how local initiatives can create meaningful change, preserving the region's beauty and biodiversity while inspiring others to get involved.
FAB offers two 12-week running programs that challenge girls in grades 6 through 12, specifically living in lower income communities, to train for and complete a 5km run. The programs are free and use running as a vehicle to teach girls about goal setting and how the skills they learn while running can be transferred into everyday life. FAB's ultimate goal is to inspire girls to dream big and live big by helping girls develop the confidence and goal setting skills necessary to live an empowered life.