Run for the Trees

Jersey Trees for Life is encouraging active and aspiring athletes to ‘Run for the Trees’, its inaugural annual fundraising run taking place this Sunday morning at Val de la Mare.

Participants can choose to run either 11 km or 3 km. The former option comprises two loops of the reservoir, passing through all ten tree collections, starting and finishing in the top car park. The charity has also opened a new trail to coincide with the event – one that takes runners alongside beautiful willows and across a bridge into the Birch Collection.

Those doing the longer run will be able to enjoy the arboretum in its entirety, including many of the new trails and paths so often missed by visitors.

The shorter 3 km route offers an easier, more accessible option, heading down the main path, towards the dam at the far end of the reservoir and back again. Runners will pass a variety of specimen trees including a spectacular swamp cypress, a vibrantly autumnal white ash and a distinctive group of redwoods.

All finishers will receive a specially designed wooden medal while both winners will have the satisfaction of seeing their name on a specimen tree for a year.

Event income will go towards replanting the Railway Walk this winter.

Parking will be available at the Amaizin! Adventure Park and the arboretum will be closed from 7.30am to 1.00pm on the day.

Alex Morel, Jersey Trees for Life CEO, commented: “Run for the Trees is an opportunity for the community to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of Val de la Mare while getting fit and healthy. As an event it has to be the perfect fit for us, which is why our aim is to make it part of the local running calendar.”

Jersey Trees for Life is hosting Run for the Trees in partnership with RaceNation, Rock N Road Runners. and event sponsors, Evelyn Partners.