Sustainability
CapitalTrails commitment to the environment and responsible trail running and outdoor experiences.
Our Philosophy
This Sustainability statement is at the heart of the CapitalTrails ethos and governs all CapitalTrails events, from our monthly outdoor meets to our race series and FKT challenges. As community builders, explorers and mappers of NCR's largely unmapped trail networks, we have a responsibility to tread thoughtfully while discovering new paths.
At CapitalTrails, sustainability is embedded in our identity and how we organise trail running and outdoor events and experiences. We operate on a philosophy of personal responsibility, community-driven stewardship and trust - building a culture where every participant, volunteer and supporter plays a vital role in protecting the natural landscapes we share.
Core Beliefs
Leave No Trace. We uphold a commitment to minimising impact on trails and ecosystems. Every runner embodies this principle by carrying out everything they bring in and respecting the environment.
Self-Sufficiency. Our events champion self-reliance. Participants, across all our event categories, comply with complete pack-in and pack-out practices, further highlighting our commitment to Leave No Trace and Zero Waste principles.
Education and Trust. We equip our community with knowledge to make responsible decisions in the wilderness and trust them with responsible decision-making while providing the essential guardrails of safety and security.
How We Operate
Our operating model is aimed at ensuring minimal carbon footprint and environmental impact and applies to all our exploratory, recreational and competitive events.
Pre-Event
In-Event
We prepare participants for confident self-navigation on largely unmapped trails. Our briefings cover mobile app-based navigation tutorials, wildlife encounter guidance, safety manuals and Leave No Trace training for all CapitalTrails event participants.
Our featherweight logistics model enables smooth operation with a minimal organising footprint. We avoid any temporary or permanent course markings or structures and rely on self-timing through mobile apps and QR codes to ensure a seamless, low-impact experience.
Post-Event
We actively gather community and participant feedback to continually refine our approach towards environmentally responsible outdoor experiences. Our commitment to continuous improvements makes our events more sustainable and enjoyable with every edition.
Focus Areas
Supporting Local Conservation. We contribute to grassroots organisations and individuals working on ecological preservation around NCR, amplifying their impact through collaboration and support.
Active Trail Mapping. Our community helps chart NCR’s vast, unmapped trail network with the aim to formalise a responsible and sustainable trail system that benefits all users.
Promoting Lightweight Event Models. We are developing initiatives to encourage other trail event organisers in India to adopt minimalist, low-impact operational models that have the potential to reduce carbon footprints and ecological disturbance.
Our Commitment
We commit to transparency in our sustainability journey, embracing openness about progress and challenges alike. With ongoing community engagement, education and collaboration, we aim to nurture a stewardship culture ensuring environmental preservation and trail safety for locals and enthusiasts.
What Can You Do?
Participate Responsibly. Carry out your waste, respect wildlife, and navigate thoughtfully.
Share Your Feedback. Your insights help us improve our events and sustainability practices.
Support Our Initiatives. Volunteer, donate, or spread the word about our conservation and mapping projects.
Become a Member. Connect with a community passionate about sustainable trail running.
Be an Advocate. Help grow awareness of responsible outdoor ethics in your networks.
