“What we've tried to do is work with events and work with media to try and represent the sport in the way that we would like it to be, which is one that actually represents the population as a whole.”
Sonny Peart is a co-founder of Black Trail Runners. Peart recognized that Black people were underrepresented in trail events across the UK and decided to do something about it. The group didn’t have any expectations of where it would lead, they just wanted to take action.
“We've been surprised because when we started this, we had no idea where it was going to go. It just felt as though something should be done and if anyone was going to do it, it might as well be us. So a few of us got together and started this.”
Black Trail Runners first move was asking races to include reporting ethnicities that were signing up for races. Through the data they found that although about 5.5% of the UK identifies as Black, less than 1% of runners at trail events were Black. Peart explained this stems from Black people having less access to the trails (both geographic and economic), being less skilled as a result of the lack of access, and being underrepresented in trail running marketing and media. Black Trail Runners is working on these issues in many ways and they really just want to make it possible for Black people to get on the trails.
“We have regular, free social runs with qualified run leaders around the country in the UK. And we also put on what we call trail taster events, which is an opportunity for people to, yes, go out for an inclusive, lead, run, but also to take part in workshops, learn skills, whether that's around navigation or gear or running technique or whatever it happens to be. And an opportunity for people to experience the trails in a relaxed, inclusive environment where they feel safe. They don't have to worry about being accepted or not.”
Black Trail Runners on Instagram
Black Trail Runners on LinkedIn
Sonny shared a lot more about the organization and what he’s training for himself, including running the London Marathon for Sporting Equals and taking a crack at Wendover Woods 100. Super grateful he took the time over the busy holiday season to chat and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
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Music by REDproductions from Pixabay.
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Galiano Trails Society is hiring: Trail Building and Maintenance Coordinator
I’m honoured to have joined the Galiano Trails Society board of directors! It’s a brand new role for me, and I will have some more to tell you all about it soon. But in the meantime, we are hiring and I must share the job posting with you all! Please share with anyone that you think would appreciate it.
Start Date: February, 2023
Term: One Year Contract with possible extension
Time Commitment: Two 8-hour days per month on average with some flexibility
Application Due Date: January 31, 2023
THE GALIANO TRAILS SOCIETY is a registered charity dedicated to the development and enjoyment of hiking trails on Galiano Island.
The Society is currently seeking a capable, Trail Building and Maintenance Coordinator (the "Coordinator") who has the skills to both organize and lead volunteer and summer student work parties, and undertake heavy-lift trail construction work, including clearing fallen trees by chainsaw and moving and laying gravel.
The ideal candidate will have experience building trails, be knowledgeable about good forest management practices; be able to operate a chain saw; can coordinate, lead and train volunteers and summer students; and has all applicable licenses and permits, including a Workers Compensation Board account, and liability insurance.
The Coordinator will be expected to work with the Trails Society Board to create, manage and report on an annual schedule for trail building and maintenance indicating at what stage of the project each trail is at; and, manage the general trail sites and working conditions, such as erosion and siltation control, barricades, signs, and maintenance of foot traffic past the site.
Please apply by January 31, 2023 by sending your CV and cover letter to:
galianotrailssociety@gmail.com
Ep. 33 Sonny Peart of Black Trail Runners