What began in a small group in 2007 is now one of the most popular running events in the country – the Erste Bank Vienna Night Run. The nocturnal circumnavigation of the ring is all about climate protection this year. Because with every participating runner, a mangrove forest grows in Myanmar. Around 15,000 athletes are expected. Registrations are still possible.
In December 1857, Emperor Franz Joseph gave the impetus for an urban work of art with the words “It is my will…” – the Vienna Ringstrasse. More than 165 years later, the magnificent boulevard still fulfills its basic idea: it is a meeting place and a witness to historical events. The ring is alive – and sometimes it trembles too. Like on September 19, 23, when around 15,000 runners and Nordic walkers will complete the five-kilometre circular course at the Erste Bank Vienna Night Run. This is how one tree becomes two trees In 2023, Vienna’s famous night run is all about sustainability: the aim is to running together against climate change. A VCS-certified mangrove tree is planted per participant in cooperation with the non-profit initiative Blue Life to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the runners have the option of doing without their Night Run running shirt and planting another tree instead. When registering, the option “I’ll give up my shirt and plant a second tree” can be selected. Mangrove forests are among the most productive, resilient and adaptable ecosystems on earth and can absorb three to five times more CO₂ than terrestrial forests. Mangroves grow where conditions are deadly for ordinary trees: in salty water, under the scorching sun, exposed to the changing tides. They deter floods and create habitats for hundreds of other species. In principle, running is an environmentally friendly sport. However, if you add up the fuel, electricity and heat consumption for the organization and the journey of the runners as well as the material consumption at a large running event, the CO₂ emissions quickly increase. In addition, there are mountains of rubbish. In order to achieve climate neutrality, the organizer has been offsetting the unavoidable CO₂ emissions since last year with a climate project. Organizer Hannes Menitz: “We had our CO₂ balance calculated. The result is CO₂ emissions of around 139 tons. With a safety surcharge of ten percent, this results in total emissions of around 153 tons of CO₂ for the entire event. The mangrove trees were planted in 2022. This means that our trees are already absorbing 87 tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere this year. In order to continuously promote climate protection, we plant one mangrove tree for each participant every year.” Since 2007, around 1 million euros have been raised in donations for “Light for the World”, Caritas or cancer research. The starting field is also open to people with disabilities, who can put their sporting skills to the test on the Ringstrasse from 9:03 p.m. And each of these handicapped athletes can take part free of charge.19. September 20235 km, a lap around the Ringstrasse in ViennaStart: near the main universityFinish: ParliamentRegistration and more information hereAppeal to runners, fans and the publicPart of the emissions emitted by such a major event are due to the arrival and departure. The organizers therefore recommend the climate-friendly journey by train, Wiener Linien or by bike.
source site-11