COMMUNITY GUIDELINES
Sustain run club
These guidelines outline the expectations and responsibilities for all participants, the general structure of runs, opportunities to volunteer, and club contact information.
By participating in Sustain Run Club, you agree to uphold these values and contribute positively to our community.
Published: 2025-05-01
Last Updated: 2025-05-05
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Table of Contents
1. Purpose
2. Core Values
3. Code of Conduct
3.1 Respect & Inclusivity
3.2 Safety & Awareness
3.3 Online Conduct
3.4 Environmental Sustainability
4. Policies & Requirements
4.1 Age Requirement
4.1 Ability Requirements
4.1 Gear Requirements
4.1 Alcohol & Substance Use
4.1 Dogs
4.1 Conflict Resolution & Reporting Issues
5. Leadership Team
6. Contact
1. Purpose
Sustain Run Club offers weekly group trail runs around Kelowna, BC, and is committed to creating a fun, welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment while keeping sustainability top of mind ~ environmental and personal. These runs are free and a fun way to get to know your local trails and running community!
Community
Connection with other sustainability-minded trail runners.
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Environmental Sustainability
Awareness of our environmental impact and conscious effort to reduce negative impact.
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Personal Sustainability
Awareness of our own bodies, ensuring that we’re giving them enough food, rest, and movement. We go at our own pace and prioritize health & happiness over performance.
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Respect & Safety
We welcome people from all backgrounds and identities to create an inclusive, positive, and safe environment for everyone to enjoy. We remain aware of safety hazards, looking out for ourselves and each other.
2. Core Values
Sustain Run Club provides a positive, safe space for people from all walks of life to run together on the trails, enjoy beautiful nature, and foster friendships. We are dedicated to the following core values:
3. Code of Conduct
All participants agree to abide by the following behavioural expectations during group runs:
3.1 Respect & Inclusivity
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Discrimination, harassment, exclusion, or any abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
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Encourage others and and be inclusive.
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Be patient with others (and yourself).
3.2 Safety & Awareness
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Follow all traffic rules, trail closure rules, and run leader instructions.
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Respect other trail users (hikers, runners, bikers, animals, etc.)
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Respect the wildlife. There may be bears, snakes, and other natural dangers around the trails – give animals a wide berth and alert the group to their presence.
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Trail terrain is uneven with possible rocks, roots, dips and narrow sections. Watch your step!
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If listening to music, keep one earbud out to stay aware of your surroundings and run leader instructions.
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If you see something unsafe or do not feel comfortable with a part of the trail, speak up.
3.3 Online Conduct
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Online platforms (eg. Heylo, Instagram, Facebook) are used to share information and memories, aiming to foster community.
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Photos taken during the group run may be used on social media. If you do not want images of yourself online, speak up to let the group know.
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Keep discussions respectful. No bullying or spamming.
3.4 Environmental Sustainability
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Be aware of the pollution, energy, and materials you are using in and around your runs. We are not perfect, and some things can’t be avoided, but we want to consciously work towards minimizing our negative environmental impact.
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Respect the wildlife. Plants and animals live in the places we run – minimize your disturbance: stay on-trail, do not feed the wildlife, do not litter.
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Carpool or use active transportation (walk, bike, etc) when possible
4. Policies & Requirements
4.1 Age Requirement
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All Sustain Run Group events are strictly 19+.
4.2 Distance Requirements
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In general, participants must be able to run a minimum of 5km in 1hr on trail.
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Runs range from 5-9km with varying elevation and terrain. Planned routes are posted in Heylo and at www.sustainathletics.com/runwithus. It is the responsibility of each participant to review the route and decide if they can complete it in roughly 1hr.
4.3 Gear Requirements
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Trail shoes are strongly recommended as they provide good grip for the varied terrain we experience on trail.
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Dress for the weather (eg. wind/rain jacket, shorts, hat, sunglasses, etc)
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Bring adequate food and water. Post-run snacks are strongly recommended! (basically, ensure your fueling enough in and around your runs)
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Bring a headtorch in winter when it gets dark during our run.
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4.4 Alcohol & Substance Use
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Sustain Run Club is a sober space. Please do not show up under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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Post-run socials are optional. Participants are expected to drink responsibility if consuming alcohol and plan your safe ride home.
4.5 Dogs
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Dogs are welcome on leash. You are responsible for their behaviour and health. Please ensure that they are able to keep up with the group and do the planned distance.
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Pick up after your dog💩
4.6 Conflict Resolution & Reporting Issues
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If an issue arises between members, resolve it respectively and privately when possible. If this is unsuccessful, bring the issue to the attention of a run leader so we can mediate or step in.
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If an issue arises with a run leader, bring this to the attention of another run leader or Laura (info@sustainathletics.com) so we can mediate or step in.
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Any form of discrimination, harassment, or repeated disruptive/disrespectful behaviour may result in removal from the club.
5. Leadership Team
Sustain Run Club Leaders commit to:
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Keeping run groups organized, safe, and fun.
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Facilitating a welcoming environment for new and returning members.
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Addressing concerns/issues in a way that is fair and respectful.
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Upholding and enforcing these guidelines as necessary.
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Carrying a 1st aid pack and be able to take charge in emergency situations.
Interested in becoming a run leader? Reach out to us through Heylo or info@sustainathletics.com
6. Contact
For any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these guidelines or Sustain Run Club, please contact:
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Emma Mitchell through Heylo
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Laura Chatham: info@sustainathletics.com
