Patrik, founder of the Kia Fjällmaraton and the driving force behind the restoration of trails around Åre and Ottsjö in Sweden, welcomed us into his home, a stunning place surrounded by nature.
There, our group camped in glamping tents tucked right into the forest. At night, the sounds of moose and the gentle ripples of the nearby lake reminded us: we weren’t guests in this landscape – we were part of it.
And that deep immersion, that reconnection with the wild, sparked something powerful in each of us: the motivation to give back.
But wait, we came to restore!
Patrik, along with Emmie, Phil, and Martin, guided us through the task ahead. The area we were working in is home to wetlands, incredibly delicate ecosystems where erosion and human activity can leave a lasting impact.
Our mission? Build wooden boardwalks to protect and preserve these trails.
All winter long, Patrik and the team had been preparing the materials, waiting for the snow to melt so the real work could begin.
The weather was on our side. Together, we restored 200 meters of trail. We learned how to build steps, bridges, and flat sections, each plank carefully laid down not just for runners and hikers, but for anyone who seeks connection with nature.
The team and volunteers working on the trail restoration.
But as we started, the last day of the camp ended up with a running session around the place and enjoying a very insightful Running Minds event led by environmental economist Scott Cole. Over 12 km, with the occasional surprise visit from some moose and deer, we paused to reflect on the value of nature, the impact of our actions, and the importance of moving from inspiration to action. We had some great discussions about the differences between anthropocentric and biocentric approaches, and how education can play a key role in shifting perspectives toward a more nature-centered mindset.
