RUNNING MINDS is an initiative based on community running that combines the passion for running and the love for nature, with the curiosity of science and sustainability topics.
This project, developed by the Kilian Jornet Foundation in collaboration with NNormal and UpClear, aims to bring science closer to the community by connecting nature enthusiasts and runners with the(ir) natural environment
By participating in these runs, individuals not only enjoy the physical benefits of running but also engage in meaningful discussions about the environment and our role in preserving it.
Each run is an opportunity to learn, share, and deepen our connection with nature, all while embracing a healthier lifestyle.
In each run, we partner with experts who present topics relevant to the environment where the run takes place. Some of these partners include research institutes as well as various environmental associations.
OBJECTIVES
Boost the curiosity about sustainability issues
Promote a healthy lifestyle
Connect communities with science
Raise awareness about environmental issues
Build a network of like-minded individuals
Why Are Community Runs Important?
RUNNING MINDS is more than just a physical activity; it is a platform to raise awareness about the issues facing cities, mountain areas, or any other environments that are impacted by human activities and climate change.
Human impact on natural environments is undeniable, and these runs serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving natural spaces for both the health of the planet and our well-being. Natural environments, whether they are mountain trails or urban green spaces, are essential for our physical and mental health. They provide a refuge from the stresses of daily life, offer clean air, and are home to the biodiversity that sustains our ecosystems. By participating in these runs, we are not only advocating for our health but also for the health of the planet.
Runs in Both Mountain and Urban Environments
Map of Run Locations
Our website features an interactive map where you can explore all the locations for the past and upcoming runs. Each event serves as a platform for discussing a range of environmental topics. These discussions aim to inspire participants to take action in their own lives and communities, fostering a deeper understanding of the environmental issues we face and how we can contribute to solutions.
FIND YOUR RUN AND SIGN UP HERE!
ICON LEGEND
Past runs
Upcoming runs
Chamonix with CREA-Mont Blanc
Barcelona with Itinerari, ISGlobal ISGlobal and Eixample Respira
Parc Natural del Montseny, Catalonia (ES)
Location: Collformic
Lead of the run: Sandra Blasco (NNormal advocate)
Theme: Parc Natural del Montseny: natural values and geological context
Puigcerdà, Catalonia (ES)
Location: Puigcerdà
Lead of the run: Kilian Jornet Foundation
Theme: Talking about the Kilian Jornet Foundation and our projects
Flagogna, Udine (IT)
Location: Flagogna, Italy
Lead of the run: Riccardo Rizzetto
Theme: Preserving the Alpine King: The River Ecology and Conservation of the Tagliamento
New York (US)
Location: Central Park, New York City
Lead of the run: Ferdinand Airault & Thierry Soudee
Theme: Run for the Trees. Celebrate Sustainably: Xmas Tree Alternatives for a Greener Season How to Escape the City and Enjoy the Mountains While Being in NYC.
Leavenworth, Washington (US)
Location: Leavenworth, Washington
Lead of the run: Christopher Carter (NNormal advocate)
Theme: International Mountain Day: Global Connection & Local Stewardship
Silverton, Colorado (US)
Location: Silverstone, Colorado
Lead of the run: Hannah Green (NNormal advocate)
Theme: Mountain Meandering: A run and talk with local scientists on the state of mining cleanup around the San Juans
Åndalsnes (NORWAY)
Location: Andalsnes, Norway
Lead of the run: Kilian Jornet (Nnormal ambassador) & Pascal Egli (NNormal advocate).
Theme: Permafrost degradation. Rock slides due to global warming.
Hernani (ES)
Location: Sidrería Larre-Gain, Hernani
Lead of the run: Naila Jornet Burgada
Theme: Our relation with nature
Tomir (ES)
Location: Club Duva, Port de Pollença
Lead of the run: Miquel Llompart
Theme: Wildfires, Impact in Nature and Forest Management.
Collserola (ES)
Location: Collserola Natural Park
Lead of the run: David Pino
Theme: Air quality in Barcelona and how it is influenced by transport and mobility in the city.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice (FR)
Location: Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Lead of the run: Jean-Baptiste Bosson
Theme: The current situation of glaciers in the French Alps, and how we can mitigate the effects of climate change in the future.
Zegama (ES)
Location: Zegama
Lead of the run: Ramon Malkorra
Theme: We will explore the natural environment with the environmental team of Zegama-Aizkorri, learning about sustainable trail race management and the Green Trail Concept project..
Barcelona (ES)
Location: Parc Natural de Collserola
Lead of the run: PN Collserola
Theme: Joining forces with Deporvillage, we’ll reflect on the monitoring of park usage and how data can help balance outdoor activity with conservation.
Olimpic Valley (USA)
Location: Olimpic Valley
Lead of the run: Environmental experts
Theme: We are teaming up with Where the Climate Things Are and Climate Strides Event Series to hear insights from experts and create a community of like-minded individuals before TrailCon.
Truckee (USA)
Location: Truckee
Lead of the run: Donner Party Mountain Runners and Power in Nature
Theme: Enjoy a fun, relaxed run with fellow trail lovers, test out NNormal shoes, and wrap up the evening with pizza, beers, and good conversation.
Power In Nature shared their work to advance California’s 30×30 goal, explained their coalition structure, and outlined ways to get involved across regions and key topics. They also gave a brief update on a federal attempt to sell public lands and encouraged attendees to send postcards urging Senators to vote NO on any such proposal.
Ainsa (ES)
Location: Ainsa
Lead of the run: Mountain Moments and Fundación Quebrantahuesos
Theme: Together with the Fundación Quebrantahuesos, we explored the risks faced by the local wildlife and the initiatives needed to mitigate them, all while enjoying a social run all together.
Washington (US)
Location: Washington
Lead of the run: Christopher Carter
Theme: Led by Christopher and in collaboration with local associations, we learned about the evolution of glaciers and discussed how we, as individuals, can contribute to mitigating their melt.
Queixans (ES)
Location: Queixans
Lead of the run: Kilian Jornet Foundation
Theme: We organized a Running Minds event for the 2026 Sales Conference with the NNormal team, where we had the opportunity to explain the actions and projects we carry out in the Foundation.
Innsbruck (AT)
Location: Innsbruck
Organizer: Wolfgang Gurgiser (University of Innsbruck)
Theme: We organized a Running Minds event during the International Mountain Conference 2025 together with his team, where we had the opportunity to discuss the Green Trail Concept and governance in sports.
Argeles-Gazost (FR)
Location: Argelès-Gazost
Organizer: Julian (MM Secretary)
Theme: Together with the Maison de la Montagne, we organized a Running Minds event led by Julian, its secretary, where we discussed the values and responsibility of people toward nature.
Zumaia (ES)
Chamonix (FR)
Location: Chamonix
Organizer: Jean-Baptiste Bosson (Marge Sauvage)
Theme: In Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Pourri, we organized a Running Minds event together with NNormal and Gore-Tex, led by Jean-Baptiste Bosson, where we discussed the current situation of glaciers in the French Alps.
Tarragona (ES)
Location: Tarragona
Organizer: Aitana de la Varga
Theme: In Tarragona, following the course of the Francolí River, Aitana explains in detail how environmental management is carried out in this area and how power plants have affected the natural balance of the river and the conservation of its biodiversity.
Denver (US)
Location: Denver
Organizer: Kilian Jornet Foundation
Theme: This Running Minds event organized in Denver marks the beginning of the States of Elevation project, carried out by Kilian Jornet across the United States.
Colorado Springs (US)
Location: Colorado Springs
Organizer: Kilian Jornet Foundation
Theme: In Colorado Springs, we explored how ecosystem restoration, together with nature-based climate solutions, conservation policies, and landscape preservation, helps protect biodiversity. It was shown how environmental management can restore degraded areas by combining the efforts of communities, scientists, and authorities.
Durango (US)
Location: Durango
Organizer: Kilian Jornet Foundation
Theme: In Durango, we explored how the resilience of the land is strengthened through wildfire management, regenerative agriculture, and nature-based solutions. It was shown how these strategies help protect ecosystems, restore their health, and ensure that communities can adapt and thrive in the face of environmental challenges.
Reno (US)
Location: Reno
Organizer: Kilian Jornet Foundation
Theme: In Reno, we explored how reconnection with nature strengthens the bond between communities and their environment. Reflections focused on the importance of seeing oneself in the outdoors and how art can become a tool for climate awareness, inspiring care and commitment to the environment.
Pollença (ES)
Location: Pollença, Mallorca
Highlights
Lead of the run: Miquel Llompart, geographer
Theme: How climate change is creating longer and more frequent high-risk conditions for forest fires in the Mediterranean basin.
Abandoned forests and low timber value mean more unmanaged fuel that can feed wildfires in tourism-heavy areas like Mallorca.
More intense rainfall and extreme weather events are increasing landslides and slope failures, putting nearby communities at greater risk.
Paris (FRA)
Location: Paris, France – Change Now
Lead of the run: Chloe and Matthieu from Swim for Change
Key Learnings:
80% of water pollution comes from land.
A single cigarette butt left on the pavement can release around 7,000 toxic chemicals into the water.
Today, there are 10x more species of fish in the river than 50 years ago.