Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Ep. 33 Sonny Peart of Black Trail Runners
“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!
Spotify: Click Here
Google Podcasts: Click Here
Apple Podcasts: Click Here
Youtube: Click Here
Music by REDproductions from Pixabay.
If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :)
Galian
Published on 2 years, 11 months ago