June 18, 2021 European Endurance Run Highlights Air Pollution

Hosted by Patagonia, 24 Hours of RUFA will be a Europe-wide endurance challenge on 31 July 2021. Participants will run to raise awareness of air pollution and the event will connect runners from across the continent to raise funds for 18 environmental groups fighting for clean air.

Running Up For Air, the iconic endurance challenge in which participants run laps up and down a mountain for 3, 6, 12 or 24 hours, is coming back to Europe for one day, in 2021. Wherever one runs vert – over hills, through the mountains or even up and down the stairs – anyone can take part, on their own or with a team, connected to runners across Europe through a virtual hub.

Today, Europeans across the continent are breathing in toxic air, which additionally damages health and the surrounding environment. Running Up For Air was created to raise money in support of the fight for improved air quality for those who live along the Wasatch Front, Utah. The first European edition took place in Chamonix, France, in May 2019.

“As a trail runner and ultra-runner, there are few things I love more than running in nature and experiencing the joy of breathing in fresh air,” shares Patagonia ambassador Martin Johnson.

“However, the reality of being a father of two, living and working in London, means opportunities to escape to the countryside, the mountains and the clean air they offer are often limited. As a result, I spend more time than I’d choose clocking-up daily miles running through the streets of the capital - and some of the poorest quality air in Europe – in training and on my way to and from work.”

There is a 20 EUR fee to take part, which goes directly to 18 environmental groups fighting for clean air. Participants can take part individually or join and create teams with their friends and trail crews and are encouraged to fundraise and for, and awareness of, the issue of air pollution around Europe, ahead of the event. Each person can choose to take part wherever they run vert, between 6AM CEST, 31 July and 6AM CEST, 1 August.