Ditch your car and run to work on Clean Air Day

This week employees of Run For All will be parking up their vehicles as they aim to raise awareness about air quality issues in Leeds.

The non-for-profit organisation, part of Leeds charity runner Jane Tomlinson’s lasting legacy, is also promoting the use of greener transport in the city. This will culminate with a mass run to work on Thursday, June 21, and it is hoped the whole of Leeds will get involved.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, head of events at Run For All, said: “Air pollution in the city is an issue we all recognize. It’s hard to think that one person can make a difference, but leaving your car on the drive for a few days a week is good for the environment and great for your health. We’re inviting everyone in Leeds to join us in our pledge to run to work on Thursday.

“It’s a challenge for sure, but run-commuting is great way to get to and from work. You’re effectively training and getting fit in dead time. You’re also not sat bumper to bumper in some traffic jam.”

Statistics show around 40,000 deaths in the UK are attributable to exposure to outdoor air pollution each year. Related illnesses cost the economy an estimated £20 billion a year.

Leeds City Council are also tackling the problem and have launched a #5MileLeeds challenge. Coun James Lewis, executive member for resources and sustainability, said: “Clean Air Day offers a great opportunity for people to travel into work via a more sustainable method and certainly chimes with our own #5MileLeeds challenge asking people to reduce car mileage.”

Run For All is encouraging people to share their Clean Air Day stories on social media. The best run to work selfie post on Clean Air Day will win a VIP place at the Asda Foundation Leeds 10K on July 8. To enter, tag @RunForAll and use #CleanAirDay and #RunToWork hashtags.