Human trees urge green athletes to come forward
4 June 2008
Tree-athletes are being urged to come forward to take part in a new event raising money to plant trees in and around Manchester.
Like a conventional triathlon, the Tree-athlon, held in Heaton Park on Sunday, October 5, is in three parts. But in this case, as well as taking part in a 5km fun-run, participants must also share their urban tree wishes and plant saplings.
As part of World Environment Day on Thursday, June 5, members of Manchester City Council's environmental campaigns team will launch the event in the city centre's Exchange Square, along with Councillor Richard Cowell, Executive Member for the Environment.
They will be joined by members of the Trees for Cities charity - who are organising the event - along with Manchester University exchange students from Malawi, who will be dressed as trees to promote the event and encourage volunteers to come forward.
Councillor Richard Cowell said: "As well as cutting our carbon footprints, trees are an important part of our response to climate change and our drive to become Britain's greenest city. I'd encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this enjoyable event."
Trees for Cities Chief Executive Graham Simmonds said: "Climate change is the number one issue for our generation and we need to be planting trees in cities now more than ever. The Tree-athlon is a motivating and positive way for people to get fit, meet new friends and make a positive mark on the environment."
Anyone who wants to take part in the event should visit www.tree-athlon.org/2008 to register. It is open to everyone aged 14 or over regardless of ability, but spaces are limited so volunteers should register as soon as possible.
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