As you know, for this 2024 edition, we have chosen to pursue the “Green CXM Trail FEDME” environmental certification, based on the “Guide of Best Practices for Organizing Mountain Races in Protected Natural Areas”. This document was developed by a working group composed of public administrations responsible for planning and managing protected areas, FEDME (Spanish Mountaineering and Climbing Federation), and EUROPARC-Spain.

How does it work?

The most important document related to the quality standard is the Checklist, which an environmental referee uses to verify the system’s  requirements. The checklist is divided into three sections:
• Phase 1: Planning and Design
• Phase 2: Implementation and Execution
• Phase 3: Conclusion and Evaluation

There are a total of 64 requirements, of which 40 are mandatory. To achieve optimal quality and obtain the certification, at least 47 requirements must be met. The additional 7 can be selected from the remaining 17 optional requirements. The 40 mandatory requirements are essential for a race to obtain the certificate and reflect the strict standards of this environmental label.

In Phase 1, the race organizers must submit a technical report that is positively evaluated by the administration of the protected area. The course must avoid areas of high fragility and environmental vulnerability (steep slopes, fragile soil, protected flora and fauna, endangered habitats, etc.). The event must follow existing trails or paths, and the technical report must include an impact identification and mitigation plan. Special
attention is also given to waste minimization and segregation programs, carbon footprint calculation, and compensation measures. This phase also includes guidelines for responsible behavior by runners and spectators.

In Phase 2, the organizers must have an environmental referee on staff, trained specifically for the role. During the pre-race briefing, environmental instructions must be provided to participants. The organization must also collect data and create a report on environmental incidents during the race (impact on soil, flora, fauna, water, etc.). 

In Phase 3, the organization must produce an environmental evaluation report, including any incidents and improvement proposals. The removal of waste containers, the collection of all generated waste, and the removal of temporary signage must be completed on the same day of the event or within a maximum of 24 hours. 

After the race concludes and the environmental referee has submitted their report, it is reviewed by an Evaluation Committee, which then issues a final decision on whether the event has met the system’s standards.