Photo Essay: Running Up For Air

Welcome to Utah – a state where residents are advised to monitor air quality daily, particularly during the inversion season.

Due to a unique mountain geography that traps cold air and pollutants during the winter, combined with vehicle emissions, wood-burning, and toxic dust blowing from the receding Great Salt Lake added to the mix, Utah’s air quality is a serious concern.

In addition to the challenges from a growing population, Utah is home to some major environmental polluters like US Magnesium, Kennecott Utah Copper Mining, and various oil refineries which operate under unregulated environmental permitting.

When you approach Salt Lake City from the north, you drive through a rather apocalyptic landscape, one far removed from the postcard views of Wasatch Mountains and glacial lakes sold in the souvenir stores around town. To the west lies the drying Great Salt Lake alongside ever-fuming chimneys of oil refineries pumping up a complex mixture of gasses and toxic particles into the atmosphere. On “bad air” days you wouldn’t even know the Wasatch range is there; it remains hidden behind the omnipresent haze.

Air pollution poses a significant threat to our health and environment, disproportionately impacting children, the elderly, pregnant women, and vulnerable communities that are often socially and economically disadvantaged. Particulate matter measuring less than 10 micrometers, particularly fine particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometers, is especially risky to public health. These very small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs damaging tissues and cells.

The consequences are serious: short term exposure to high levels of those particulates can result in reduced lung function (a lot of people sarcastically joke that being outside on those especially “bad air” days is an equivalent of smoking a pack of cigarettes), respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma. Meanwhile, long term or chronic exposure increases a person’s risk for stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. One particular study estimated that air pollution shortens the life of the average Utahn by around two years.

Because of its unique mountain geography, Utah is home to outdoor enthusiasts, pro athletes, skiers, runners, climbers, mountain bikers, and all sorts of extreme sports fanatics. In the face of declining air quality, a community of runners showed up, giving rise to Running Up For Air (RUFA).

In 2012, Jared Campbell – a badass ultra runner with impressive accomplishments under his belt – decided to run up and down Salt Lake City’s Grandeur Peak for 24 hours to raise money for air quality advocacy work.

The following year, a few friends joined in. The next year, even more.

After 14 years, Campbell’s solo project became a worldwide movement with dozens of races, hundreds of runners, and tens of thousands of dollars raised around the globe.

Typically, runners choose the distance they want to complete, like a 5k, 50k, or 100-miler. During RUFA, the runners complete hours of running – from three to 24 hours – during which teams or individuals run laps up and down their local mountain. Registration proceeds are donated to select local non-profit organizations, and the race platform is used to expose participants and the general public to science-based materials about the importance of healthy air. All events are conducted with a minimal-footprint philosophy.

As a mom of two young boys, Tara Warren wasn’t sure what she could do to make a difference and advocate for better air quality for their future. Since the running community in Utah 10 years ago was still pretty small, she learned about Campbell’s Grandeur Peak winter race and decided to sign up. After participating in 2016 Grandeur 24 hour race, she became very inspired, but also slightly conflicted about driving nearly an hour to an event that’s intended to raise awareness about the air pollution. That didn’t feel right, especially since just outside her bedroom window sits Malans Peak — a perfect candidate for the RUFA’s endurance challenge.

Fast forward to 2018; Warren organized the first edition of RUFA Malans Peak. The support of the northern Utah running community was outpouring (to quote Tara’s words). Since then, each year Ogden’s chapter sees around 100 participants and is supported by a steady group of more than 80 volunteers. Each year, they have donated more than $10,000 to local charities dedicated to helping with clean air efforts in Utah.

These people are in it together, united by the common purpose – to raise awareness about the air quality, proving that anyone can and should participate in bettering our future.

When it comes to the quality of our environment, there is no complaining about how hard our efforts might be. We all do it because we care about the future of our children and the generations that will follow. Too much is at stake!

Regardless where you live or how old you are, you can get involved in the Running Up For Air events by attending the race, spreading the word, donating, volunteering, running, and blasting your social media about it. Environmental activism has many faces, and anyone can become a clean air advocate.

Clean air is not a privilege, it is our right!

Call for Pitches — Write for Now Frolic!

This photo essay from Ceza Dzawala is a guest contribution. Now Frolic publishes authentic creative and journalistic work across mediums from writers who share their insights, passions, and inspiring moments to motivate you in your life. We value diverse perspectives, and welcome pitches from writers interested in contributing Outdoor Sports, Nightlife, Civic Life, or Travel stories. Email Now Frolic Editor Randee Brown directly at [email protected] to pitch a story or special project.