Local athletes from Somer SC give 200 running shoes a re-boot

By Susie Watkins 18th Mar 2024

Somer coach Matt Exley, photo Somer AC
Somer coach Matt Exley, photo Somer AC

March presents some people with the opportunity for a spring clean.

For members of Radstock's Somer Athletic Club, it's time for training and entering events.

However, they still had time to have a clear out of their own, casting out their unloved and worn out running shoes to help others in need of serviceable footwear.

Instigated by Somer coach Matt Exley, the plea went out to the club members, asking if anyone had some old trainers to donate to a good cause.

JogOn is a national campaign that aims to recycle people's old trainers that still have a few miles in them, providing them to worthy causes whilst ensuring that they keep 1million pairs of trainers out of landfill. JogOn estimates that over 30 million pairs of shoes end up in landfill every year.

Over recent weeks the athletes have responded. Scouring cupboards and shoe racks, they've be able to donate over 100 pairs to donate to JogOn, with the shoes going via schools and other distribution partners in the UK and overseas to get shoes to those that need them.

Matt says "Many runners renew their shoes periodically to ensure their feet are properly supported. As part of Somer's youth coaching team, I see teenager athletes grow fast. JogOn is a great campaign that can extend the life of running shoes while helping those in need."

Somer AC's athletes' passing for running continues unabated. More shoes will be bought and, as such, Somer AC anticipates another donation to JogOn later in 2024, minimising landfill and providing trainers to those that need them.

     

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