Events
On April 12, 2025, the Run and Recycle project held an educational seminar at Business School PAR in Rijeka, Croatia. Organized by local partner Vere Montis, the event gathered coaches, sport workers, club representatives, and community activists to raise awareness about the environmental impact of textile waste—especially from fast fashion—and explore how sport can be part of the solution.
Led by project manager Sanja Kučić, the session introduced the Erasmus+ co-funded initiative Run and Recycle, its goals, timeline, and the role of running events in promoting sustainability. Through visual presentations and interactive discussion, participants learned how the sports sector is affected by and contributes to textile overconsumption—and what actions can be taken at club level to change that.
The seminar inspired many to join the project’s green network, and several local clubs committed to starting textile collection campaigns. A local eco-run and further outreach activities are now being planned.
With the motto “Fast Running is in Vogue, Not Fast Fashion,” the seminar marked an important step in bringing environmental awareness into the heart of community sport in Croatia.
The Run and Recycle project came to a meaningful close during the spring training camp of Darko Athletics Team in Panagyurishte, Bulgaria. The final event was not only a celebration of everything achieved over the past months but also a reminder of the important values we carry forward.
The day started with a fun and energetic relay race, bringing together young athletes from different age groups. This was followed by a large group training session, where the spirit of teamwork and enthusiasm filled the air.
But it wasn’t only about sports. During the activities, we spoke with the children about the importance of recycling textile products and the serious problem of environmental pollution caused by fast fashion. The young athletes were encouraged to reflect on the journey of their clothes—from how they are made to where they end up—and to take better care of them.
We discussed practical steps like reusing, donating, or recycling clothes instead of throwing them away. These conversations extended to the parents as well, because we believe that real change starts at home.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere was full of energy, smiles, and curiosity. The participants learned that even small actions—like extending the life of a t-shirt—can help protect our environment. By connecting physical activity with environmental awareness, the event showed that everyone, regardless of age, can be part of a positive change.
We are proud to end the Run and Recycle project on such a high note, with a strong message: let’s keep running, learning, and making a difference — one step at a time.
On December 7, 2024, the Run and Recycle project organized a fun and interactive educational seminar for young athletes from Helsingin Kisa-Veikot, a local sports club in Helsinki. The session took place during a regular kids’ athletics training session and aimed to combine physical activity with environmental education.
The seminar had two main activities:
- Clothing Sort Relay – Children raced to sort different items of clothing into piles based on the materials they were made from (e.g., cotton, polyester, wool). This helped them learn about clothing production and recycling categories.
- Relay Quiz – A fun and fast-paced quiz game where teams answered questions related to fast fashion, recycling, and the environmental impact of textile production. The questions were based on the themes discussed in a short introductory lecture.
The combination of games, learning, and movement kept the kids highly engaged and helped them understand complex environmental issues in an age-appropriate and playful way.
The session ended with an open discussion, where the children shared what they had learned and how they could apply it in their everyday lives. By linking sports and sustainability through creative activities, the project inspired the next generation to become eco-conscious athletes and responsible citizens.
On December 6, 2024, the Run and Recycle project took part in the Itsenäisyyspäivän Kisat, a large indoor athletics competition hosted in Espoo, Finland. With 624 participants, the event brought together children, teenagers, and adults to compete in various track and field disciplines.
This made it the perfect setting to promote the project’s message among both athletes and their families. Information about the Run and Recycle initiative was shared in advance through the Espoon Tapiot sports club website and kilpailukalenteri.fi, the official registration platform for athletics competitions in Finland.
At the venue, a recycling point was set up, giving participants the opportunity to bring old sportswear and footwear. The visibility of the recycling station and the presence of project materials helped start conversations about sustainable sports habits.
This event underlined how youth competitions can be a great channel for educational outreach—not only to the athletes themselves, but also to their parents, coaches, and broader communities. The more we normalize sustainability in sports, the more long-term impact we can make.
The second day of the Run and Recycle transnational meeting in Rijeka, Croatia, was filled with energy, inspiration, and positive environmental action.
As part of a dynamic trail running event with more than 300 participants, the project demonstrated how sport can be a powerful tool to raise awareness about sustainability. The trail run took place in a beautiful natural setting and gave participants the opportunity not only to enjoy physical activity but also to take meaningful steps toward protecting our planet.
Runners were invited to bring their used sports clothes and shoes, contributing to our textile collection campaign. This action raised awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion and encouraged everyone to reflect on how small, everyday choices—like donating or recycling old clothes—can reduce waste and promote a circular economy.
Through conversations and shared experiences during the event, we spread the message that reusing and recycling is not just an individual responsibility, but a community effort. The atmosphere was vibrant and filled with motivation, showing the real power of sports to unite people around a common cause.
This day perfectly reflected the mission of the Run and Recycle project: combining eco-friendly running activities with sustainability education, and connecting local communities with European values and environmental goals.
A big thank you goes to all the runners, volunteers, organizers, and partners who made this event possible. Together, we are running for a greener and more responsible future!
On November 24th, the Darko Athletics Team in Sofia hosted a spectacular event as part of the Erasmus+ Run and Recycle project, co-funded by the EU. The day was filled with energy, education, and purpose, bringing together over 500 kids to learn about the importance of recycling and sustainability in sports.
With the support of our partners at TexCycle, a special recycling container was provided for the event, allowing participants to donate sports clothes. These items will now be reused or recycled, demonstrating how simple actions can have a big impact on protecting our planet.
A particularly heartwarming highlight was the active participation of children with disabilities. This reinforced a powerful message: sport is for everyone, and so is recycling.
The event not only created an engaging space for kids to contribute to environmental sustainability but also reminded us that every small effort counts in building a greener future.
Let’s continue running, recycling, and working together to protect our planet!
The Run and Recycle project reached southern Finland’s coastline on October 5, 2024, with a presence at Itämerimaraton, a scenic running event in Hanko. The event offered several distance options, including a full marathon, half marathon, and a quarter marathon, and brought together 327 participants.
Although prior promotional activities for the project were not possible for this specific race, the team managed to set up a promo point near the race office on the day of the event. At this stand, participants had the chance to learn about the goals of the Run and Recycle project and how sports and sustainability can go hand in hand.
While no garments were collected during the event, the promo point became a hub for engaging conversations with runners and visitors. Project staff introduced the concept of textile waste recycling, discussed the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment, and encouraged individuals to be more mindful about how they use and dispose of clothing.
Events like this show that awareness-raising is not only about collecting numbers—it’s also about creating moments of reflection and conversation. The seeds planted in Hanko will hopefully lead to more sustainable habits among runners in the future.
On October 27th, Sofia came alive with the Mom and Me Athletes event, part of the Erasmus+ Run and Recycle initiative. Following the dads’ footsteps, it was the moms’ turn to take the stage for a day filled with fun, fitness, and sustainability.
The main attraction was a 2x50m relay race, where mothers and their children teamed up to showcase their athletic spirit. Beyond the excitement of the race,
the event focused on raising awareness about green practices, emphasizing the importance of recycling sports clothes and shoes to give them a second life and reduce waste.
This event combined the joy of family bonding with the mission to promote sustainable habits in sports, proving that every step counts toward a healthier planet.
Together, we’re moving toward a greener future! Stay tuned for more updates from the Run and Recycle project as we continue to inspire change.
On October 13th, the Darko Athletics Team hosted the Dad and Me Athletes event, a special day filled with fitness, family fun, and sustainability! As part of the Erasmus+ project Run and Recycle, this event aimed to inspire greener practices in sports while bringing people together for an unforgettable experience.
Participants learned about the environmental impact of fast fashion, especially in sportswear, and how small, sustainable actions—like recycling old shoes or donating pre-loved clothes—can make a big difference for our planet.
The energy and enthusiasm of everyone who joined made the event a huge
success! Thank you for running, learning, and taking steps toward a greener future. Let’s keep up the momentum and continue making a positive impact, one stride at a time.
Stay connected for more updates from the Run and Recycle project, and let’s keep running toward a sustainable tomorrow!
As part of the Erasmus+ Run and Recycle project, we’re extending our
commitment to sustainability beyond our operations. Last week, during a breathtaking hike on Slovenia’s Soriška Mountain, participants came together for a meaningful cause. While they enjoyed the natural beauty of the surroundings, they also actively contributed by collecting old sports clothes and shoes. This initiative shed light on the pressing issue of fast fashion.
In alignment with our eco-friendly mission, we made efforts to minimize waste at the event. We distributed only a limited number of flyers that featured compelling facts about fast fashion. Our goal was to inspire participants to take action and make changes in their daily lives by adopting simple, individual steps.
This hike wasn’t just about appreciating the stunning landscape; it was about making a lasting impact on the environment. Together, we’re moving toward a more sustainable future, one step at a time!
On September 29, 2024, the Run and Recycle team participated in Pääkaupunkijuoksu, a popular running event in Helsinki that included a half marathon, 5 km race, and a walking option. The event attracted 323 enthusiastic participants from different age groups and backgrounds, creating the perfect atmosphere to connect physical activity with environmental awareness.
In preparation for the event, the project was promoted both on social media and through the official communication sent to all runners. Each participant received a letter via email with information about the Run and Recycle initiative and a call to action: bring old sports clothes and shoes for recycling!
On race day, a recycling point was placed near the race office, offering an easy and visible drop-off location. Thanks to these efforts, around 13 garments were collected, giving them a second life and helping reduce the burden of textile waste.
Even more importantly, the event allowed us to share the values behind Run and Recycle—rethinking fast fashion, reducing consumption, and taking simple steps to make a difference. The Helsinki running community responded positively, showing that runners are ready to join the race for a greener planet.
While running is at the heart of our Run and Recycle project, we’re committed to making an impact off the track as well. Last weekend, Vere Montis, in collaboration with HPD Platak from Rijeka, organized a memorable eco-friendly hiking race in the breathtaking Dolomites.
Participants not only enjoyed the stunning scenery but also contributed to our mission by donating used sports gear for recycling. This effort supports both our running community and the planet, reducing waste while promoting sustainable practices.
As we continue our journey, we’re excited to explore new ways to expand our reach and inspire others to join us in this important cause. Let’s keep making strides together—for the sport and the environment!
On August 31, 2024, the Run and Recycle project proudly took part in the Ruotsi-ottelu 10, a well-known 10 km road race organized in connection with the legendary Finland-Sweden athletics match. Held in the heart of Helsinki, the event brought together 434 participants and served as a unique opportunity to promote environmental responsibility through sport.
As part of the race logistics, all registered participants received a digital participation letter by email with detailed information about the Run and Recycle project. The letter explained the urgent need to reduce textile waste and invited runners to bring their used sportswear or shoes to a dedicated recycling point set up near the race office.
The project’s message reached hundreds of people. Awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion and the importance of recycling sports textiles was shared with all participants. This event showed that even when outcomes are affected by circumstances like weather, every effort to promote sustainability counts and plants seeds for future behavior change.
We are thrilled to share the success of our recent seminar at the Belmeken Sport Base, held as part of our Erasmus+ European project, "Run and Recycle." This event brought together over 60 children and their parents, who engaged in meaningful discussions about the impact of fast fashion, textile pollution, and our collective footprint on the environment.
Throughout the seminar, participants learned about the severe consequences of fast fashion on our planet, including the enormous waste generated by discarded clothing and the harmful effects of textile production. They were introduced to practical ways to mitigate these issues, including the importance of responsible consumption and recycling practices.
The "Run and Recycle" project, a collaboration between the Finnish Athletic Federation and the Croatian sports association Vere Montis, aims to inspire individuals to rethink their approach to textile waste. By encouraging the recycling of old clothes and shoes, the project seeks to breathe new life into these items and reduce environmental harm.
The seminar was a fantastic opportunity for the children and their parents to gain a deeper understanding of how their everyday choices impact the planet. It also emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps to protect nature, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future.
We look forward to continuing this journey towards sustainability with our partners and the broader community, empowering everyone to make a positive difference in the world.
In Bulgaria’s “Festivalna” hall, a sports event melded athleticism with environmental awareness through the “Run and Recycle” initiative. Aimed at educating participants and the public about textile consumption’s environmental impact, the event drew over 60 enthusiastic youngsters during a “Kids Athletics” session.
The initiative advocates for prioritizing sustainable practices over fast fashion, stimulating textile waste recycling. Funded by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ sport program, it seeks to empower young athletes with environmental knowledge and foster eco-consciousness.
In a world grappling with climate change, initiatives like “Run and Recycle” offer hope for a greener future. The event’s success underscores the importance of integrating environmental awareness into sports and highlights grassroots initiatives’ potential for positive change. Let’s champion endeavors that promote athleticism and environmental stewardship for a healthier planet.
In a bid to promote environmental consciousness within the athletic community, the “Run and Recycle” initiative made its debut during a training session for parents at “Darko Athletics Team.” This exciting introduction took place at Bulgaria’s largest athletics hall, “Festivalna,” where more than 50 individuals were introduced to the project’s mission and vision.
The initiative, which encourages recycling of clothes and shoes, aims to combat the culture of fast fashion, advocating for sustainable practices. With the motto “Fast running is in Vogue, not fast fashion,” the project emphasizes the importance of prioritizing eco-friendly choices.
Coordinated by the esteemed grassroots sport club, Darko Athletics Team – Sofia, the initiative has garnered partnerships with prominent organizations such as the Finnish Athletics Federation Yleisurheilu and the sports association from Croatia, Vere Montis.
This groundbreaking project receives funding under the Erasmus+ sport program of the European Commission, highlighting its significance on an international scale.
Through initiatives like “Run and Recycle,” the athletic community is not only encouraged to excel in their sporting endeavors but also to champion environmental stewardship. As participants embrace the ethos of sustainability, they pave the way for a healthier and more environmentally conscious future.
During the Darko Team Baby Cup 4, both athletes and spectators were introduced to the Run and Recycle initiative, which garnered attention from over 350 athletes and more than 2,000 onlookers. This event took place within the expansive ASICS Arena, Bulgaria’s premier indoor hall for athletics.