Image: Mike Brogden Photography
The relay is the country’s only sporting event for climate and this year’s is the biggest yet. Its route comprises 210 stages and visits over 80 different climate and nature projects, sporting organisations and venues, as well as schools, events and iconic locations, combining the love of sport with a huge celebration of public campaigning and action for climate and nature.
The relay will be collaborating with a wide range of partners to raise awareness of and inspire action on climate and nature issues. The message in the relay baton emphasises that we are united in our call for politicians of all parties to cut emissions; restore nature; and help those most affected by climate change.
Celebrating climate action in the Portsmouth, in collaboration with Portsmouth City Council, the baton will reach the city on 1 July 2024. The relay began on 6 June at Lochaber High School at the foot of Ben Nevis, and is undertaking a people-powered 2,436km journey, via inspiring communities nationwide, finishing at Big Ben in London on 4 July.
The baton will circumnavigate Portsea Island taking in sailing with the Andrew Simpson Centre, a mini triathlon with the Portsmouth Triathletes, Portsmouth’s new sea defences including the new ‘Theatre of the Sea’ that was designed and constructed by the Southsea Coastal Scheme, and Portsmouth International Port.
It will also visit Meon Junior School, Stamshaw Junior School, and Redwood Park Academy. Pompey in the Community are joining the route from Theatre of the Sea to Gunwharf Quays.
The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Jason Fazackarley said: “I’m delighted that this year’s relay is coming to Portsmouth. The relay will be an opportunity to highlight some of the climate action projects here in the city as we strive to reach net-zero and bring those benefits to our local residents and our natural environment.
“This includes efforts across the city to slash carbon emissions including exciting developments with ‘shore power’ for ships and solar panels at our city owned port, and new sea defences to prepare us for the effects of climate change.
“Climate change is one of the most important and complex challenges our society has ever faced. We are in this together, and together we will continue to make strides towards our shared goal of a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Running Out of Time Co-Founders Dan Thompson and Jamie Hay added: “This year’s relay is set to be the largest yet with tens of thousands of people involved in the Relay stages and the places we visit. It will be magical, inspirational and epic and we’d love you to join us as runners, cyclists or supporters. Please sign up now at https://running-out-of-time.com
Huge thanks to our wonderful partners who make the relay possible. Working together we can highlight the benefits of strong action on climate and nature restoration – a strong economy with sustainable, affordable energy; clean air and clean water; food for all; and a natural world that can be enjoyed by future generations.”
To sign-up for a stage of the relay and become a baton bearer, visit www.running-out-of-time.com/route
