Leave No Trace at the Kathmandu Coast to Coast race

Every year since 1983, Coast to Coast has challenged New Zealanders to compete in a multisport event from the west coast to the east coast of the South Island, with participants running, kayaking and cycling over a total of 243 km. This year the event has partnered with Leave No Trace New Zealand, ensuring that the natural landscape of the South Island is preserved for the duration of the race.

Leave No Trace is a global movement whose mission is to protect the outdoors by teaching people how to enjoy natural areas responsibly and leave no waste behind. The program seeks to educate and challenge the public on how to minimise environmental impacts while enjoying natural and cultural heritage areas based on seven key principles:

• Plan ahead and prepare.
• Travel and camp on durable ground.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Leave what you find.
• Minimise the effects of fire.
• Respect wildlife and farm animals.
• Be considerate of others.

The program’s founder, Chris North, said he was delighted to have the Kathmandu Coast to Coast race as a partner.

“We’re renowned in New Zealand for our dramatic scenery, natural landscapes, flora and fauna, and the unique race location is one of the most stunning courses in the world,” said North. “The team behind the event share our values and are passionate about educating the competitors to make sure it stays just as beautiful post-event.”

A key driver for the partnership was outdoor equipment store Kathmandu coming onboard as title sponsor for the 2017 race. The company’s marketing manager, Tim Loftus, noted, “Sustainability at Kathmandu is paramount. It plays an important role in everything we do — from developing new stores with Green Star sustainability ratings to informing how we design, make and innovate our products.

“Our customers are adventurers who love exploring the world. It’s our job to provide them with what they need to safely enjoy their journey, and to encourage them to do so responsibly. We are committed to protecting our environment for future generations and this partnership is another example of that commitment.”

The director of the race, Richard Ussher, said Leave No Trace’s mission is “directly in line with ours for the race, to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation”.

“Their principles clearly articulate simple but important things to remember when outdoors, whether racing, training, camping or whatever and wherever your adventure may be,” he said.

“Signing up as the first official New Zealand event partner is a responsibility we value greatly and will help to ensure the land remains intact and continue to host hundreds of athletes on the same course for another 33 years.”