World 800m record holder David Rudisha has called for the establishment of greenbelts in urban areas to provide cleaner and conducive training environments for middle and long-distance runners.
Greenbelt is a general term that refers to natural, undeveloped or agricultural lands that surround urban areas.
These lands may include open spaces, parks, farms and ranches.
Rudisha was speaking during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he accompanied Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jackson Tuwei.
Rudisha emphasised the need for less polluted training zones, particularly in cities.
“We need greenbelts in cities which can provide athletes with the opportunity to train in areas that are less polluted,” Rudisha said.
Rudisha stressed the importance of restoring forests around training grounds, particularly for long distance runners, noting their vital role in promoting air circulation and enhancing performance.
“For long-distance runners, forested areas are essential. Restoring these environments ensures athletes can train in optimal conditions,” he said.
Rudisha elaborated on how climate change complicates achieving peak performance in competitions.
“To clock the best times, the conditions must be ideal. With climate change, that’s becoming increasingly rare,” he said.
Highlighting the safety measures now necessary during races, Rudisha said paramedics and extra hydration stations have become common fixtures at events.
“Nowadays, paramedics are on standby in case athletes face health issues due to extreme conditions. In long-distance races, extra water tables are now a necessity— something we never saw in my early years,” he said.
Rudisha, a member of the Maasai community, expressed deep concern over the climate crisis’s impact on his homeland near the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
“Frequent droughts have devastated our community. As a child, I trained in forested areas that are now disappearing. Without action, future generations may lose the chance to achieve what I did,” he said.
Rudisha underscored the need for unity in combating climate change.
“The future of athletics depends on everyone coming together to safeguard talent and adapt to climate challenges. This is our world—none of us can afford to ignore what’s happening,” he urged.
He commended Athletics Kenya (AK) for leading efforts to address climate change and called on other sports federations to follow.
