Ecology

The running series "Behaj lesmi" takes place in the most beautiful places in Slovakia. That's why it emphasizes environmental protection, striving to be as environmentally friendly as possible and in harmony with the surrounding nature. 

WASTE SORTING

During the races, a lot of waste is produced, which should be properly managed. We lead our pack not only towards healthy movement in nature but also towards responsible waste sorting directly at the races. Therefore, we have prepared waste bins specifically for paper, plastic, cans, and organic waste. Sorting applies not only to you as a visitor but also to us organizers. After the event, we process all the waste produced during our race

In the 2022 season, we sorted out 3,835 kg of waste together, including 240 kg of organic waste.

In the 2023 season, we sorted out 4,181 kg of waste together, including 315 kg of organic waste.

BIODEGRADABLE BAGS THAT DON'T HARM NATURE

Behaj lesmi organizers also introduce a revolutionary ecological "trick". Each of the racers receives an initial package in a bag made of non-plastic material. The ideal way to dispose of it is by dissolving it in hot water, which is non-toxic and does not harm nature.

REUSABLE EQUIPMENT

Disposable cups in the forest are a thing of the past; you won't find paper cups at refreshment stations. Instead, racers will have Speedcups at their disposal. This thermoplastic polyurethane cup can be instantly packed into a pocket or hung on a backpack or anywhere else with its practical strap. It weighs only 10 grams and will remain with you as a memory of your performance and experience.

In the 2023 season, we replaced 69,000 disposable cups with our SPEEDCUPS.

REVOLUTIONARY ECO LABELING

Maintaining the cleanliness of our forests is a priority for us, so we have prepared ecological measures that have not been seen here before. With respect to our forests, we have prepared perfectly biodegradable ecological labeling for race trails made of Solubag material for this year's season. Solubag material can be used repeatedly and dissolves in nature after just 180 days. It is a specially made and treated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) derived from natural sources and including printing, it is completely non-toxic. Even if a piece of labeling were to remain in the forest, only substances naturally found in the soil would remain.

MEDALS MADE FROM NATURAL MATERIALS

Sustainability is literally tangible in the new cool ecological medals, which are made from purely natural materials without any chemical additives. Additionally, the ribbons on the medals are made from 100% recycled plastic. We think of nature and our forest friends, but above all, of you. With the new medal, you'll be "eco," and you definitely won't increase your carbon footprint. The medals in the 2023 season were made from biodegradable materials and had their base in potatoes and corn, for example.

HELPING IN BEHAJ LESMI LOCATIONS

We are bringing thoughts of sustainability and ecology to the regions where the Behaj lesmi races take place. Therefore, we actively seek opportunities in these places, where we can, together with our partner - Dr. Max pharmacies, help and leave something behind to push the locality one step further.

Supporting the village of Čičmany

During the races in Čičmany in the 2022 season, we handed over a check worth €12,600 from Behaj lesmi and the main partner, Dr. Max, to the mayor of the village, Mrs. Iveta Michalíková. The funds will be used to support public lighting in Čičmany and indirectly to preserve the cultural heritage of this world-famous village.

Supporting the town of Ružomberok
In the 2023 season, a check worth €13,000 was received by the representative of Dr. Max pharmacies, Mr. Jaroslav Kypr (Chief of Operations), and the representative of Behaj lesmi, Mr. Pavol Krupička, from Mr. Ing. Róbert Kolár, who is the representative of the mayor of the town of Ružomberok. This year, they are jointly implementing a project to plant greenery in one of the most polluted places in Slovakia - in Ružomberok. We hope that the city will thus move one step further!

DIGITALIZATION

Because we want you to continue running with us, we try to protect trees, thus reducing unnecessary paper usage. Therefore, we will not print single-use brochures, flyers, or locker tickets. Everything can be torn directly from the starting number or found on your phone. You don't even have to print anything in the locker, just come to registration with a QR code or confirmation on your phone.

MINIMIZING CARBON FOOTPRINT

We understand that most of the Behaj lesmi series races take place outside the reach of regular public transportation. Nevertheless, it is always possible to reach the venue using public transportation. If using your vehicle is unavoidable, try offering available seats for carpooling, which we initiate for every race on the event's Facebook page. This minimizes your carbon footprint and allows you to enjoy the journey with other racers!

PLOGGING

Don't know what it is? No problem, watch the video where everything is explained. In short, it's a run not about speed or distance but about helping nature. While running, you collect trash left behind by irresponsible fellow citizens. Not only will you do something for your health, but you will also help nature. Plogging is definitely something to look forward to at Behaj lesmi races.