TREES FOR CITIES
Gaby Roslin to host the 2011 Tree-Athlon
5km run in Battersea Park raising money to plant 5,000 new trees
Battersea Park, London – Saturday 17 September
“Trees are vital for a healthier and happier urban environment and so I am delighted to be hosting Trees for Cities’ annual Tree-Athlon this year. I am particularly looking forward to the 100m barefoot world record attempt taking place. I’m tempted to take part myself, but I don’t think I’m fast enough!” Gaby Roslin
Urban tree-planting charity Trees for Cities are delighted to announce that breakfast radio host and presenter Gaby Roslin will be hosting their 2011 Tree-Athlon, in London’s award winning Battersea Park on September 17th.
Now in its seventh year, the charity is holding the annual Tree-Athlon to raise money for the planting and care of thousands of trees across the UK and internationally.
In the spirit of a traditional triathlon, the Tree-Athlon is a three part event but with a green twist, and includes a 5km run around the award winning Battersea Park, a free sapling tree for each participating runner to take home and plant, and a 100m barefoot world record attempt. And as a special incentive this year – London Fashion Week designer Giles Deacon has created an exclusive T-shirt which all participants will be running in, and which will also be available to buy on the day for those who are not taking part.
Alongside Gaby Roslin, on the day the Tree-Athlon will also be welcoming the Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins, who will be hosting a Q&A and also Kulveer Ranger, Mayor of London’s Director of Environment and Digital Media.
Last year, 278 barefoot runners set an official new world record on a 100m-grass track. A few months later the Trees for Cities record was broken by the Barefoot Runners of India who secured 306 participants. So this year we need 307 runners or more to reclaim the title for London!
This year we are delighted to be working with RSA, independent collective Noise of Art and media partner ‘The Times’. Noise of Art will be hosting its Metiss’agé Festival at this year’s Tree-Athlon providing live music, interactive street art fronted by Miss Led, and a host of contemporary dancers performing for the enjoyment of the participants and spectators alike. The festival receives funding from the EU cultural programme.
After the Tree-Athlon Noise of Art and Trees for Cities will present ‘Metissage Nite’ – the official after party at East London’s Village Underground to raise even more money for trees! For advance tickets please visit: http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?285192
Sharon Johnson, Chief Executive of Trees for Cities, said: “Last year’s Tree-Athlon was a great day and the money our Tree-Athletes raised enables us to continue our important work. We are reintroducing fruit and nut trees to schools through our Edible Playgrounds project, beautifying our streets with large majestic trees, and at the start of this year we planted a new 10,000-tree urban woodland in just one week.˝
“Climate change is a major challenge for our generation. Through taking part in events like the Tree-Athlon, people can make a difference.”
So, fancy getting fit and helping our cities to breathe? Do your bit and start your tree-loving training!
Register now: www.treesforcities.org/get-involved/tree-athlon/
All media enquiries:
Lucy Swan lucyswan@margaretlondon.com
Notes to Editors:
Trees for Cities is an independent charity, which inspires people to plant and love trees worldwide. Set up as Trees for London in 1993, Trees for Cities creates social cohesion and beautifies our cities through tree planting, community-led design, education and training initiatives in urban areas that need it most.
We manage projects across the UK and Ireland as well as internationally in Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Ica, Peru. Community-led design is an integral part of our landscaping projects. Involving local residents, schools and community groups helps ensure the sustainability of green spaces.
Trees for Cities Patrons include Neil Fox, Diarmuid Gavin, Alistair McGowan, Jon Snow, Jamie Oliver and Sir Richard Rogers.
