FAQs
What is Tree-Athlon 2011?
The Tree-Athlon is a unique event which brings together runners, barefoot runners, wheelchair users, children and families encouraging people to raise funds towards tree planting while raising awareness of the importance and benefits of urban trees. In the spirit of a traditional triathlon, the Tree-Athlon is a three-part event: a 5km run or walk around an award-winning park, the chance to take part in a barefoot 100 metre Guinness world record attempt, and the opportunity to take home your very own sapling to plant!
Plant a sapling
To celebrate the end of the race and thank you for your fundraising efforts, each runner will be given a native tree sapling to take home and plant, helping you to create your own green space and give something back to your local environment. Information on how to plant your sapling will be available on the day.
Where does Tree-Athlon take place?
This year's Tree-Athlon took place for the seventh year in Battersea Park, on Saturday 17 September.
Can anyone take part?
The race is open to those aged 12 plus. You can register on your own or as a team with your family, friends, school friends or colleagues. If you register as a team, each team member will have the team number on their running bib.
How do I register?
You can register for the event on the day. Registration costs £22. All participants over the age of 12 receive a T-shirt. All registered participants completing the 5K will receive a free running pack with their personalised running bib. On completion you’ll receive a bottle of water, a piece of fruit, a medal, tree sapling and a goody bag. Please go to the registration link above and follow the steps to register for the race.
If you’d like to enter a team please use the same registration form as if you were entering as an individual. During this simple and easy process you’ll be asked if you would like to create a team. At this point please enter the names and emails of the additional people.
If you have already registered and would like to create a team or add additional runners just log back into your account (you will have received these details in your confirmation email) and then follow the simple steps.
Fun for all the family
We’re introducing a heap of new and exciting extras which are available to everyone! With the help of the Trees for Cities project team - the people who plant the trees in your cities - we’ll be delivering you and the kids an array of workshops including herb planting, woodland book marks, willow weaving, arts and crafts and not to forget the resident face painter!
If you’re not looking to take part in the 5K, please feel free to come along and enjoy what the village has to offer. It’s a great chance for your children to take part in nature, to learn and enjoy!
How far do I have to run?
Don't panic, it's not a marathon! Although every year we have top Tree-Athletes joining the crowd, this is about tree lovers coming together and taking part with shoes on or not. We’ve made sure all our areas are accessible for wheel chair users. The popular 5KM run is open to over 12s. The selected routes are all predominantly flat and road based, ideal for beginners and the experienced alike and if you need a bit of help check out our training schedule once you’ve registered.
OK count me in... but what about my friends and what else is on offer?
The Tree-Athlon is a great day out for all your mates and family. We'll keep you and your tribe amused before, after and even during the race! Why not find a running buddy or create your own team? The more the merrier. There will be prizes up for grabs for the fastest runners and top fundraisers. So, come on, get green and register now to be part of the 2011 Tree-Athlon!
When do I get my running pack?
Once you have registered online and we have all your details, we will issue you a link to be able to download a running pack containing your resources to help you raise your £25 target.
How will I hear about the programme on the day?
We will be sending you regular email updates full of information about the event, specific timings, training and fundraising tips. If in any doubt please call Zoe on 020 7820 4413.
How do I look after my sapling?
Once you get your sapling home you will need to pot it up so it can get established.
- Find a 10 litre pot, preferably deep
- Fill with 50/50 mix of garden soil and general purpose compost
- Make a hole for the sapling with your hand, big enough for the roots
- There will be a dark line above the roots of the sapling. Plant the sapling up to this line
- Compress the soil and water as soon as planted
Your sapling will be ready to plant out after one year.
What can I do with my sapling if I do not have anywhere to plant it?
Every Tree-Athlete will receive their own native tree sapling. These are small saplings that can be planted in a plant pot until they are established, when they can be moved outside. If you do not have an outside space to plant your saplings in, why not give it to a family member or friend with a garden or allotment, or donate the sapling to your local school or community centre?
Where does the money go?
The money raised from the Tree-Athlon will fund tree-planting projects across the UK and internationally, such as the creation of outdoor classrooms at London schools, the creation of a community orchard in Manchester, continuing native tree conservation projects in Peru, training local women in tree conservation in Ethiopia, and planting thousands more trees in Nairobi to help reforest the city. To find out more, click here.
How do trees help the environment?
Trees have countless benefits to our cities and the wider environment, including providing a habitat and food for animals, insects and birds, supporting the eco-system, filtering out harmful pollutants from vehicle emissions and providing health benefits, landscape and environmental screening for local communities, not to mention that trees are beautiful to look at! Find out more about the importance and benefits of urban trees.
Are there ways for non-runners to get involved?
• You can support greening projects in urban areas without running the Tree-Athlon by sponsoring your friends who are taking part. Or why not make a regular donation to Trees for Cities.
• We need the help of volunteers in each city to assist with the smooth running of the event! We'll need volunteers to be on hand throughout the day to assist the Trees for Cities team with the handing out of medals, refreshments and goody bags and to help out with activities. Visit the volunteering page if you would like more information on volunteering at the event.
