🏔️ The Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard, a committed event
In 2017, the French Ministry of Sports, together with WWF France and event organizers, co-created the Charter of 15 Eco-Responsible Commitments for sports event organizers.
In 2021, as part of a continuous improvement approach, the Ministry of Sports, in collaboration with WWF France, updated the charter for sports event organizers and its objectives in light of the progress made and the new eco-responsibility challenges facing French sport.
In October 2022, the Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard signed this charter and thus joined the list of signatories of the Charter of 15 Eco-Responsible Commitments.
🌱 OUR COMMITMENTS
🍃 Eco-responsibility
A trail is rooted in a mountain spirit that respects nature, but it also has an impact on the environment. That is why it must follow a sustainable development approach.
The event therefore brings together the residents and the community organizations of the towns it crosses. It allows local stakeholders to fully take ownership of the event.
In addition, the organization puts eco-responsible actions in place throughout the process. This covers communication, transportation, water and waste management, as well as the choice of aid station food.
🏞️ What is an eco-event?
An eco-event is by definition an event that seeks to reduce its impact on the environment. It also supports the local and solidarity economy, and involves local partners and the general public in its organization. In addition, it promotes cultural diversity and upholds the values of sustainable development.
🔍 How does the TPM meet these requirements?
The organizers have set ambitious goals so that this event meets the standards of an eco-event.
🌍 Environmental impact
🚗 Transportation:
We encourage participants to use carpooling and public transport to get to the event. We also provide shuttles so that participants can reach the race start areas together, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. Since 2023, for the 3rd Poste race, in partnership with the Département de l’Isère, we have offered a shuttle bus service from the Grenoble area to limit car travel.
📣 Communication:
We primarily use the internet (email, website, newsletter) and the phone for internal communication, which considerably reduces pollution from car travel. For external communication, we use recycled paper and work with a printer holding an eco-label.
♻️ Sorting & waste reduction:
An awareness campaign on waste sorting is run and sorting bins are provided. In addition, since 2020, every participant must bring their own reusable cup to reduce the use of cardboard cups at the various aid stations.
💧 Water management and zero plastic bottles:
Water dispensers are installed on site and at the vast majority of aid stations to reduce the use of plastic bottles. In 2022, we installed carbonation machines directly at the aid stations. They produce sparkling water and colas on site, which has avoided more than 7,000 discarded bottles per year. Since 2023, no plastic bottles at all are used at the aid stations, thanks to a water tank at the points without access to drinking water.
🥖 Local products at the aid stations:
The TPM aid stations offer local specialties made just a few kilometers from the course: Tomme du Trièves cheese and Murçon matheysin sausage.
🇫🇷 Made in France runner gift:
To limit transportation and greenhouse gas emissions, the Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard offers participants gifts made in France. Since 2022, the gift has been a pair of socks, 100% Made in France.
🏅 Finisher medals in local wood:
At the TPM, the finisher medal is made from local wood in the Chartreuse area. It is offered as an option at registration: each runner chooses whether or not to receive it, which avoids producing medals that nobody wants. Made through a short supply chain, it limits transportation and supports local craftsmanship.
🌿 Environmental awareness:
Several sustainable development organizations are present at the event and supported by it.
🚽 Dry toilets:
No more drinking water wasted on flushing, and less pollution generated by waste treatment.
🤝 Social action
– Solidarity : Support for charitable organizations by the event.
– Social cohesion : More than 250 volunteers contribute to the success of the event. Mobilization of the residents of the towns crossed.
💼 Economic support
– Service providers: Service providers and local or regional products are selected to support and boost the local economy.
– Partners: Partners are, as far as possible, local businesses.
🌿 Solidarity commitment
Because sport carries strong values, solidarity has always been at the heart of the Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard. Over the editions, the event has generated income for local associations that rely on volunteers.
In 2018, the TPM created a 4 km Solidarity race, open to everyone: runners, walkers, families with strollers, and also participants on roller skates or scooters. Together, they livened up the streets of La Mure in support of local charities. The registration fee was left to each participant, with a minimum of €5, and 100% of the proceeds were donated in 2019 to three associations: Rose Altitude, Jeux Rigole and Les Restaurants du Cœur (La Mure branch).
Every year, the TPM has also welcomed associations working for shared sport with people with disabilities. Organizations such as Dunes d’Espoir (joëlettes, single-wheel all-terrain wheelchairs) or Vaincre la Mucoviscidose (cystic fibrosis charity) have thus been able to fully experience the event alongside the participants.
In 2023, the TPM supported the association Ado d’Ailes, which is committed to providing information, help and support around eating disorders.
🌟 Solidarity commitment 2026
In 2026, the Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard supports Rose Altitude. The association will be showcased in 5 of our races: the Drac, the Petit Train, the 3rd Poste, the Trail de Côte Rouge and the Grande Course, for a total of 149 km run in support of the cause. A dedicated fundraising page is online so that everyone can contribute freely.
We will also have the pleasure of welcoming Un p’tit Trek en plus, an inclusive medico-social relay that will end its journey on the shores of Lake Monteynard on 10 July, in the heart of our event.
❤️ Sport and health
The health benefits of sport are obvious. A sports event must therefore remain accessible to everyone.
That is why we offer distances from 14 to 64 km. In addition, the Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard offers formats suited to all ages and all levels of experience.
Finally, a single day combines fun, family and sport and health.
